Reviews

A Night in the Cemetery and Other Stories of Crime & Suspense by Peter Sekirin, Anton Chekhov

colorfulleo92's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed the writing style in this book, some story's standed out more then others. But I'm not really much for a bunch of short stories at once. Didn't get into a story fast enough and when I did it was time for another. But I will absolutely read more by Anyone Chekhov

ian_bond's review against another edition

4.0

Several of these stories were wonderful and thought provoking. They are layed out in steadily increasing length which allows for a deepening respect for Chekhov's ability to tell a story whether short or long. While most famous for his plays, his short stories clearly encapsulate many of the ideas conveyed with more depth in his plays. Some concern ghosts, theives, larsony, and murder, while others include love, sex, fear, and humor. Often a combination of all is included in a story. Worth reading if you are a fan of Chekhov's plays and wish to better understand the simple, yet challenging characters he creates. From an actor's perspective, many of these stories could be adapted for the stage as monologues, short plays, or even full evenings. The translation does its best to convey the feeling an style of Chekhov (as far as I know), but can seem simplistic at times. Don't get lost in the straightforward language and middle-school vocabulary. It all goes to show that an excellent story can be told without a reliance on verbiage and shock, as Chekhov's rarely do.

chgoange's review against another edition

4.0

Stopped reading about half way through because I was getting a bit tired of the short story format...but all the stories were quite entertaining. Who knew a Russian could be so funny!

jayrothermel's review against another edition

5.0

A Night in the Cemetery and Other Tales of Crime and Suspense by Anton Chekhov is packed tight with stories by turns gelastic, sober, angry, and compassionate. There is no bathos, and elements of melodrama are winked-away or happily demolished. Each criminal thinks himself (or herself) unique; but as readers know, every crime is exhaustingly the same. Chekhov's precocious craft finds strength in the ironies of each all-to-human fool's activity.

Not every story is a murder mystery. There are embezzlers, horse thieves, and hapless security guards at every turn.

Peter Sekirin's translation is masterful, catching the informality and drollery of Chekhov's assured and perfect style.


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squidbag's review

4.0

You do not need my review of Chekhov. No one gives a lonely, pockmarked, bearded man named Ivan's ass what I think of Chekhov. I will tell you that this collection is absurd, bleak, and melancholy, and that Chekhov's eye for the details of the suffering around him is phenomenal. Worth the read if only as a centering for the soul.