Scan barcode
timseant's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
carmenx9's review against another edition
4.0
The fact that the characters didn't know how to duel so were referencing other Russian literature absolutely killed me, Chekhov is a comic genius
'A silence followed. Boyko took a pair of pistols out of a box; one was given to Von Koren and one to Laevsky, and then there followed a difficulty which afforded a brief amusement to the zoologist and the seconds. It appeared that of all the people present not one had ever in his life been at a duel, and no one knew precisely how they ought to stand, and what the seconds ought to say and do. But then Boyko remembered and began, with a smile, to explain.
"Gentlemen, who remembers the description in Lermontov?" asked Von Koren, laughing. "In Turgenev, too, Bazarov had a duel with some one. . . ."
"There's no need to remember," said Ustimovitch impatiently. "Measure the distance, that's all."'
'A silence followed. Boyko took a pair of pistols out of a box; one was given to Von Koren and one to Laevsky, and then there followed a difficulty which afforded a brief amusement to the zoologist and the seconds. It appeared that of all the people present not one had ever in his life been at a duel, and no one knew precisely how they ought to stand, and what the seconds ought to say and do. But then Boyko remembered and began, with a smile, to explain.
"Gentlemen, who remembers the description in Lermontov?" asked Von Koren, laughing. "In Turgenev, too, Bazarov had a duel with some one. . . ."
"There's no need to remember," said Ustimovitch impatiently. "Measure the distance, that's all."'
bejoym's review against another edition
3.0
As is bandied about in all the reviews I've seen, Chekhov's "The Duel" is a morality tale. Although an interesting look at contrasting views of life, work, love and duty, it is more exposition than narrative fiction. Certainly the fact that it is a translated work, and the version I listened to had quite wooden narration played some part in it. Nonetheless, I found this to be more interesting than enjoyable.
bloodbth's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rachelevolve's review against another edition
4.0
I did not expect this book to make me laugh, and I especially didn't expect it to be so good. I picked it up on a whim at the local bookstore. I knew I one day wanted to read something by Anton Chekhov, and this seemed like a cautionary introduction to his work since it's just 161 pages long. I actually enjoyed his style of writing more than Tolstoys. Tolstoy took himself too seriously and did not seem to have a sense of humor. Looks like Checkhov did.
To me this book is a petite morality manifesto. I wish modern-day writers would address morality issues more often and more seriously, if at all. It makes me feel terribly old-fashioned and prudish, but it seems that anyone who gets anywhere near the subject of morality comes off as a total fanatic fundamentalist wack-job. The only other respectable writer who addresses morality issues with such vehement passion was Tolstoy, which is why I loved the Kreutzer Sonata. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more of Chekhovs work. Any recommendations are appreciated.
To me this book is a petite morality manifesto. I wish modern-day writers would address morality issues more often and more seriously, if at all. It makes me feel terribly old-fashioned and prudish, but it seems that anyone who gets anywhere near the subject of morality comes off as a total fanatic fundamentalist wack-job. The only other respectable writer who addresses morality issues with such vehement passion was Tolstoy, which is why I loved the Kreutzer Sonata. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more of Chekhovs work. Any recommendations are appreciated.
matthewjtanner7's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was an excellent illustration of redemption. Loved the final passage.
zygomatic's review against another edition
2.0
This was a struggle to complete for how short it is. I fell asleep three times in the first 40%. The last third has the best descriptions of nature, the actual duel, and the most interesting philosophical phrasings. The majority of the time, I didn't care and had no interest in the characters. Like other Chekhov work I've read, this doesn't feel memorable.
I think this is funny: "If this wretched little town suddenly fell into ruin or caught fire, the telegram with the news would be read in Russia with no more interest than an advertisement of the sale of second-hand furniture" (page 71).
I think this is funny: "If this wretched little town suddenly fell into ruin or caught fire, the telegram with the news would be read in Russia with no more interest than an advertisement of the sale of second-hand furniture" (page 71).
danjk's review against another edition
4.0
Greetings, Dear Readers,
I am Anton Chekhov's The Duel. I am here to talk to you about how wretched man is. How vain, how proud. Have you seen Laevsky? What a despicable character he is to ruin a perfectly good woman like Nadyezda. The poor woman is the topic of scandal. No one will welcome her into their homes.
It is a beautiful day in the Caucasus, even if life is a little dull. Samoylenko tries to keep the peace, but Von Koren is insistent that Laevsky is a swine only fit for slaughter. What does the deacon think of matters? No matter, no one listen to him.
I may sound utter dire, but I am in fact quite a considered read. My characters are as alive as any person you may pass along the street and the discussion of life’s philosophy quite engaging. Us Russians have a mind for such things, you know.
I am Anton Chekhov's The Duel. I am here to talk to you about how wretched man is. How vain, how proud. Have you seen Laevsky? What a despicable character he is to ruin a perfectly good woman like Nadyezda. The poor woman is the topic of scandal. No one will welcome her into their homes.
It is a beautiful day in the Caucasus, even if life is a little dull. Samoylenko tries to keep the peace, but Von Koren is insistent that Laevsky is a swine only fit for slaughter. What does the deacon think of matters? No matter, no one listen to him.
I may sound utter dire, but I am in fact quite a considered read. My characters are as alive as any person you may pass along the street and the discussion of life’s philosophy quite engaging. Us Russians have a mind for such things, you know.
elisavaz's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Leitura rápida e fácil. Não é um livro muito memorável, mas é um livro bom. Os diálogos são bem feitos e aborda questões interessantes.