Stories

“All this would be funny if it weren’t so sad”—this is perhaps the concise and accurate characterization of Anton Pavlovich Chekhov’s brilliant stories, the greatest writer, publicist, and playwright. Subtle humor, biting sarcasm, and at the same time tender sensitivity to every human experience—these are distinguishing features of his works. But the writer’s irony does not hide the drabness and hopelessness of his characters’ lives. As Anton Pavlovich wrote himself: “...a person will become better when you show them what they are.” And the stories included in this collection are included in the mandatory school curriculum entirely for a reason.