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sean67's review
3.0
A strange story which has an ever strange ending.
Of all the places where I thought it was going to go, that is not where I thought.
Interesting, but also somewhat dissatisfying and perhaps somewhat Russian?
Of all the places where I thought it was going to go, that is not where I thought.
Interesting, but also somewhat dissatisfying and perhaps somewhat Russian?
basheer's review
dark
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
u_0's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thebookiemonster's review
5.0
I don't ever read classics because they annoy me with all their metaphors and simlies and, especially with romances, their unending cheesiness (not to mention that the majority of classics were ruined for me in shool- Note to teachers and/or exam boards: Just because it was a hit in the 19th century and/or it's under the genre characterictic of "Classic" doesn't mean it's a good, worthy of worship book.)
However, this one intrigued me- and I'm glad it did. This book really gets you thinking, reminding me vaguely of a Twilight Zone episode. And it's short, so you don't have to sit through mind-numbing hours of run on sentences.
However, this one intrigued me- and I'm glad it did. This book really gets you thinking, reminding me vaguely of a Twilight Zone episode. And it's short, so you don't have to sit through mind-numbing hours of run on sentences.
ilse0778's review
4.0
The Bet is a story with a thought-provoking premise, build around the debate of what is worse: life imprisonment or a swift execution? Throughout the story we follow a young lawyer who's set up in solitary confinement for fifteen years, and the stages he cycles through to the twist at the end made for a fascinating read. Definitely one I can recommend you check out (while I'm doing the same with Chekhov's other stories)!
samdalefox's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I love Chekov's writing style, I find it incredibly easy to read. The story itself takes a bit of a turn. The philosophical question you're introduced to on page one is what sets up the premise of the plot for the rest of the short story. However it is actually superseded by another (arguably larger) philosophical question throughout and towards the end of the story. Like REALLY BIG questions, such as ultimately, what is the purpose of life? What is humanity? The story arguably touches upon the concept of enlightenment too. I found myself gripped by the superficial storyline being carried out by the characters and plot, then only reflecting on the meaning and questions posed in the story afterwards.
jaymie_bookdragon's review
2.0
Interesting. I just love that short stories like this one can give so much in so little time.
funishment's review
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0