Feed Editor 27 Jan 2011 23:51:51 GMT Audio book collection of stories by Anton Chekhov united by the theme of truth, freedom, happiness, love. featuring: About Love, The Helpmate, Polinka. Chekhov exposes many facets of human love in this http://www.interactive.eu.com/ Art, Entertainment, Books, Audio Books, Media, News en-us http://interactive.eu.com/image/CC1-200x280.jpg http://interactive.eu.com/chekhov_story_1.html Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (Антон Павлович Чехов) 1860 – 1904 was a Russian short story writer, playwright and physician, considered to be one of the greatest short story writers in the history of world literature. His career as a dramatist produced all-time classics The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and Cherry Orchard. His short stories are held in high esteem by writers, critics and audiences of all generations. An intriguing confession of doctor’s romantic involvement with a beautiful 20 year old patient. Followed by Turgenev’s exquisite, often meditative descriptions of Russian countryside and mysterious herbalist Kassyan infatuated with Gamayane, a prophetic bird of Russian folklore, a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Read in English (unabridged). “It’s hard to die at twenty without having known love…” "Queer things happen in the world: you may live a long while with some people, and be on friendly terms with them, and never once speak openly with them from your soul; with others you have scarcely time to get acquainted, and all at once you are pouring out to him – or he to you – all your secrets, as though you were at confession." 3 Jul 2011 01:06:14 GMT http://interactive.eu.com/huntingsketches2-turgenev-classic-audiobook.html 42C8228B-58E8-458B-AD9A-524CF5F06BF0 A timeless observation of the human condition from one of the best story writers in the history of world literature. Chekhov’s characteristic mix of humour and poignancy united by the themes of truth, freedom, happiness and love in the 14 story collection presented in this book. Chekhov himself described his work as comic satire: "All I wanted was to say honestly to people: 'Have a look at yourselves and see how bad and dreary your lives are!' The important thing is that people should realize that, for when they do, they will most certainly create another and better life for themselves. I will not live to see it, but I know that it will be quite different, quite unlike our present life.” "Happiness does not exist and should not exist. And if there is purpose in life, this purpose should not be our personal happiness, it should be about something more intelligent, something more divine", commented Leo Tolstoy after reading Chekhov’s trilogy included in this book. 3 Jul 2011 01:26:32 GMT http://interactive.eu.com/chekhov_love_pbk1.html 57A395C6-0E86-403C-9711-87FF0F2B7D5C Chekhov raised the portrayal of banality to the level of world literature. He developed the short story as a form of literary art to one of its highest peaks, and the translation of his stories into English has constituted one of the greatest single literary influences at work in the short story of America, England, and Ireland. This influence has been one of the factors encouraging the short-story writers of these nations to revolt against the conventional plot story and seek in simple and realistic terms to make of the story a form that more seriously reflects life. - James T Farrell 28 Jan 2011 15:40:43 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2.html F700A774-D885-4042-84E7-B6626F4CE8F9 Anton Chekhov's late stories mark a pivotal moment in European fiction — the point where nineteenth-century realist conventions of the short story begin their transformation into the modern form. His psychological insight was profound and dynamic. Joyce may have more exactly captured the texture of human consciousness, but no short story writer has better expressed its often invisible complexities. - Dana Gioia 28 Jan 2011 15:39:00 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2.html D3010490-E988-4563-A900-72F72B6AB821 His meticulous anatomies of complicated human impulse and response, his view of what's funny and poignant, his clear-eyed observance of life as lived — all somehow matches our experience. - Richard Ford 28 Jan 2011 15:37:40 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2.html 1AF3D6C6-2B5F-40A3-9CB9-6D010FE0FC7C "All I wanted was to say honestly to people: 'Have a look at yourselves and see how bad and dreary your lives are!' The important thing is that people should realize that, for when they do, they will most certainly create another and better life for themselves. I will not live to see it, but I know that it will be quite different, quite unlike our present life.” Listen in on what Anton Chekhov has to say... 28 Jan 2011 15:36:20 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2.html A5A0D61D-22F9-4C0B-8D32-01BBBE188C1F Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (Антон Павлович Чехов) 1860 – 1904, one of Russia's most cherished storyteller, playwright and one of the greatest dramatists of all time. New audio book adaptations narrated by Max Bollinger 28 Jan 2011 15:34:09 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2.html 1DF3A8D1-5465-48D8-85B0-E174105697AC Listening to Chekhov short stories told in a Russian accented voice. What a pleasant way to spend an hour. Anton Chekhov does so well at condensing time and space into just a few words. Most writers of his time, and of today, would need a novel to tell what he can put into not very many pages. I'm not usually an audio book user, but did enjoy this one. The subtle sound effects and the Russian-sounding narrator added to the listening. - Michael Schwager (Southern Idaho, USA) 28 Jan 2011 02:39:40 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1_reviews.html EB9DE328-6DEB-4FEF-BF36-607982D653F5 I really do enjoy Chekhov, and it was very pleasant to walk to and from work listening to these stories. I thought the narrator did a decent job turning the prose into something enjoyable to the ear, and Chekhov, as always, writes great stuff. - Jennie Blake (Manchester, UK) 28 Jan 2011 02:38:28 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1_reviews.html 882A8B87-F3F4-4CDF-B291-E416E8DE0848 These six unabridged stories in the faithful Constance Garnett translation are presented with fine flourish by the Russian-born narrator. The poignant, everyday dramas of Imperial Russia are here, from jolting carriages across boundless taiga, to a tragic actor and a French tutor insulted by his boastful employer. - Rachel Redford, The Observer (UK) 28 Jan 2011 02:31:48 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1_reviews.html AC88189C-6D22-41F0-9973-24C5D4E45463 Unique dramatisation of Chekhov’s best works by a Russian born performer, now a British actor fluent in both Russian and English languages. 27 Jan 2011 23:51:59 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov.html These stories are small masterpieces. The scene is set quickly and within a few sentences the story line is underway. But all seem to contain an element of the unexpected. 27 Jan 2011 23:51:56 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1.html In The Husband, a newly famous stage actress laments her now dependent husband’s whines and demands. Get this audiobook now. 28 Jan 2011 02:25:14 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1.html 9463D79D-3A86-4BEF-BAE9-ECD44354222A In Oh, the Public, Chekov depicts a running battle between a conscientious train conductor and an obstreperous passenger. 28 Jan 2011 02:29:07 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1.html D01566B5-46DC-4AB6-A571-E41981B65306 The unhappy results when a doting father invites the members of a theatre cast to his home for dinner are related in A Tragic Actor. 28 Jan 2011 02:30:32 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1.html 0C2C5365-4542-4E23-B2A4-B531564382F2 I really do enjoy Chekhov, and it was very pleasant to walk to and from work listening to these stories. I thought the narrator did a decent job turning the prose into something enjoyable to the ear, and Chekhov, as always, writes great stuff. Jennie Blake (Manchester, UK) 27 Jan 2011 23:51:56 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1_reviews.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_1_reviews.html Short Stories by Anton Chekhov Bk.2: Talent and Other Stories ISBN 9780956116550 An sudio book collection of Chekhov's short stories featuring: Talent, Anyuta, The Helpmate, Ivan Matveyitch, Polinka. Read in English by Max Bollinger (Unabridged) and accompanied by Tchaikovskiy piano music. These stories are rich in characterisation and represent brilliantly observed slices of life. They don’t come to an end, they just peter out inconclusively leaving you to draw your own conclusions. "To advise is not to compel", says Anton Pavlovich. 27 Jan 2011 23:51:55 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2.html Short Stories by Anton Chekhov Bk.2: Talent and Other Stories ISBN 9780956116550 Anton Chekhov was one of the early masters of the short story as well as a great playwright. As is typical of Chekhov’s stories, the five tracks here are carefully constructed slices of life, rich in portrait and moral ambiguity rather than dramatic experiences. Some listeners will find them a less familiar side of the author of UNCLE VANYA and THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Max Bollinger brings the authentic voice and soul of Russia to these classic Constance Garnett translations. While many of the issues in these stories are timeless, listeners will also get to visit, for a while, the old Russia of the czars. D.M.H. AudioFile Magazine, Portland (USA) This is an audio book, and the narrator has a light Russian accent that lends creditability to the stories. Each of the stories -there are 5 on this second disc of "Short Stories by Anton Chekhov" is a picture for me. In fact, I liken each of them to a Monet painting in which you can see the individual strokes of the brush if you stand too close, but stepping back you see the whole picture at once and not the bits that created the whole. Masterpieces! Frayda Glass (MA, USA) The tracks are superbly interspersed with snatches of music by Tchaikovsky, which set the mood perfectly. It would be exceedingly simple to overdo the 'Russian-ness' of this disc but, the editor has judged the mood perfectly. I have now listened to it a few times and will certainly do so again (hopefully, many times). Enough about the style of the disc, what about the content? My youth coincided with the cold war and so, Russia has always seemed to be a mysterious place where the people are somehow different. These tales of nineteenth century Russia should therefore be totally alien. They are not, of course: Chekhov describes the human condition, it is inherently the same in Russia as in England, or where, and when, ever one happens to live. I suspect that if we do, eventually, find sentient life upon another planet, then they too would read, or listen to, these fables and nod their understanding. Ken Petersen (UK) I listened to these short stories in the car while driving to and from errands and to work. The stories were short, but poignant, and I was worried at first that the narrator's accent might distract me, but after a few sentences, it was not an issue. At the conclusion of each short story, I was anxious to start the next, but also felt compelled to think about the one I had just completed- and then to contemplate my own past, my own choices, my own story. I love when literature sticks with me like this audio recording did. I am looking forward to listening to it again very soon. Meg Downing (MA, USA) 28 Jan 2011 00:00:02 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2_reviews.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_2_reviews.html Anton Chekhov Short Story Collection Vol.1: In a Strange Land and Other Stories ISBN 9781907832024 A collection of 11 Short Stories by Anton Chekhov featuring A Tragic Actor; In A Strange Land; Oh The Public;The Looking Glass; Her Husband; Overdoing It; Talent; Anyuta; The Helpmate; Ivan Matveyich; Polinka; Audio book version contains 2 CDs or downloadable as 11 MP3 files. Read in English (Unabridged). E-Book version contains all 11 stories, introduction and notes. Paper back version will contain all 11 stories from this release and additional stories from future release entitled “About Truth, Freedom and Love”. Paper back version is planned for release in 2011. The selection of stories in this book represents Chekhov’s early work which perhaps is not as well known as some of his plays. The stories nevertheless possess unique potency and relevance to our modern lives just as they did back in 19th century Russia when they first appeared in various Russian publications. Chekhov himself described his work as comic satire: "All I wanted was to say honestly to people: 'Have a look at yourselves and see how bad and dreary your lives are!' The important thing is that people should realize that, for when they do, they will most certainly create another and better life for themselves. I will not live to see it, but I know that it will be quite different, quite unlike our present life.” Chekhov was often criticized by prominent literary reviewers of the time for not providing readers with an answer or ideas how these “dreary lives” can be improved. Of course Chekhov is not giving a direct instruction or providing readers with a manual on how to live a life, but it is possible to find solutions in his stories − they appear between the lines for each reader. Resolutions are different for each person and only each individual soul can find the right and most appropriate way in their life. Chekhov’s own response to this is well documented. He often insisted that the job of an artist was not to answer questions, it was to ask them. 27 Jan 2011 23:51:55 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_story_1.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_story_1.html Short Stories by Anton Checkov is an audio book containing five of Checkov’s stories. They are delightfully narrated by Max Bollinger in his charming accented English. The stories are excellent examples of Checkov’s style. Superb characterisation and brilliantly observed slices of life. Checkov’s stories don’t come to an end they just peter out inconclusively leaving you to draw your own conclusions. A very enjoyable collection. Alan Moreton (Essex, UK) A lovely listen, rich, velvety Russian voice, never obtrusive. Well-paced reading, nicely interspersed with Tchaikovsky for atmosphere. A good addition to reading the plays or stories. I will recommend it to my pupils who are studying The Cherry Orchard. Liz O’Sullivan (France) I really enjoyed this short story collection, read by Max Bollinger with music by Chaikovskiy. I loved hearing the stories read with the Russian accent and the music really pulled the whole cd together. The stories are all about ten minutes long and the whole listening experience is calming and enjoyable. As always, Chekov's stories are interesting and provide a great listening experience.Elena Garabis (VA, USA) Anton Chekhov was one of the early masters of the short story as well as a great playwright. As is typical of Chekhov’s stories, the five tracks here are carefully constructed slices of life, rich in portrait and moral ambiguity rather than dramatic experiences. Some listeners will find them a less familiar side of the author of UNCLE VANYA and THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Max Bollinger brings the authentic voice and soul of Russia to these classic Constance Garnett translations. While many of the issues in these stories are timeless, listeners will also get to visit, for a while, the old Russia of the czars. D.M.H. AudioFile Magazine, Portland (USA) These unabridged stories in the faithful Constance Garnett translation are presented with fine flourish by the Russian-born narrator. The poignant, everyday dramas of Imperial Russia are here, from jolting carriages across boundless taiga, to a tragic actor and a French tutor insulted by his boastful employer. Rachel Redford, The Observer, The Guardian (UK) 28 Jan 2011 00:10:41 GMT http://interactive.eu.com/chekhov_story_1_reviews.html 059E983E-FF8D-449B-A1A6-2F80FF88D241 Short Stories by Anton Chekhov Bk.3: About Truth, Freedom and Love ISBN 9781907832055 The third audio book in the series of Chekhov's Short Stories featuring a trilogy of interlinked stories about Truth, Freedom and Love. Read by Max Bollinger in English (unabridged). First published in 1898 in Russian and released as separate stories. This title, based on translations by Constance Garnett with revision and adaptation by Max Bollinger follows Chekhov's original vision by bringing the three stories together once again. Stories in This Audio Trilogy 01 About Truth 02 About Freedom 03 About Love Chekhov dedicated considerable amount of time writing the 3 stories in this trilogy and was very particular about his intention to release them as once piece. This is evident from his correspondence with his publisher. But his wishes were ignored during his lifetime and the first story had been published separately. The story received colossal amount of attention from both professional critics and general public and resonated so strongly that readers were compelled to write long letters to Chekhov (in some cases over 20 pages in length) praising him for being so truthful, for enlightening and reflecting the reality of their lives. Many prominent critics of the time such as Lyatsky attacked Chekhov for attempting to generalise "life in a bubble" which he claimed was more of a pathological exception than a rule. Lyatsky also accused Chekhov of only showing the dreadful sides of life and never providing the reader with an answer of how to improve it. Leo Tolstoy disagreed with Lyatsky after reading the second story. "Happiness does not exist and should not exist. And if there is purpose in life, this purpose should not be our personal happiness, it should be about something more intelligent, something more divine", from Tolstoy's letter to Gusev (1910). The third story, About Love, concludes the trilogy, but Chekhov's initial thoughts were to produce another sequel. The forth story never materialised however. The relationship described in the third story was based on Chekhov's own relationship with Miss Avilova who upon publication of this story compared Chekhov with "busy bee who flies about and is happy to collect honey from just about anything on its way". Chekhov quickly responded to Miss Avilova,"You are being unkind towards your busy bee. The bee first sees bright beautiful flowers and only then collects honey from them". After publication of all stories in this trilogy, even most unflattering critics of Chekhov agreed that these 3 stories represented a significant milestone in Chehov's personal development as a serious writer. They all noted that the tone of these stories was less frivolous in comparison to his earlier work. Regarding Chekhov's About Love, Mikhailovsky wrote that Chekhov was touching upon most significant and important questions of human life with such skill, depth and emotion that "Chekhov in lifting us to the sky, is showing us a third dimension, so to speak". Nevertheless, Bogdanovich, another critic of the time, found yet more reasons to criticise Chekhov. This time it was for allowing Chekhov's personal voice to speak through his characters and for Chekhov's own guiding light shining and showing readers the way. Such fierce and often unfair criticism no doubt played its part in contributing towards Chekhov's poor health. In his letters he described that he simply could not write anymore. He moved to the sunny shores of Black Sea and only after a long pause started to write again giving us such treasures as Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya and The Seagull and many other wonderful novels and stories. 27 Jan 2011 23:51:54 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_3.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/anton_chekhov_3.html Modern audio adaptation of Chekhov’s best stories read by Max Bollinger compared to Monet paintings by critics arrives to Apple’s digital iTunes Stores Anton Chekhov, known for his modesty, predicted in 1904 that his works would be read for another seven years before falling into oblivion. This is one prediction made by Chekhov where time has proven him to be completely wrong. Chekhov continued to be admired around the world for more than a century and his popularity only increases with time. The unique style of writing, wit, humour and wisdom of Chekhovian characters travels across time, languages and borders with ease. Back in 19th century Chekhov revolutionised literary and theatrical scene by introducing innovative stream of consciousness technique and unique efficiency and compactness in his texts. Immortal creations of Anton Chekhov continued to inspire for over 100 years. Chekhov is now one of the most widely translated and imitated writers in the world. And even in today’s digital world Chekhov continues to be a pioneer. A unique audio adaptation of Chehov’s best stories, released earlier this year by Interactive Media under Sovereign imprint in audio CD format attracted much attention from international audiences for its innovative (even for audio books) style. The version presented by Russian-born narrator Max Bollinger is not a simple audio book. This is a fusion audio product offering dramatised original stories written by Anton Chekhov in English translation, with latest innovation in audio production and music recording. 27 Jan 2011 23:51:57 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_itunes.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_itunes.html A British actor has achieved a long-held ambition to publish an audio book of short stories by one of the greatest Russian writers of the 19th century, Anton Chekhov The CD, entitled Short Stories by Anton Chekhov, has been collated and narrated in English by Max Bollinger, a Russian-born actor, writer and producer. It is the product of several years’ work by 34-year-old Max, who has appeared in Doctor Who and was narrator in Twentieth Century Battlefields and Space Race. The 64-minute CD, produced by Max Bollinger Interactive Media, features six short stories by the master of Russian drama: A Tragic Actor; In A Strange Land; Oh! The Public; The Looking Glass; Her Husband; and Overdoing It. “I rediscovered Chekhov in England after having read his short stories in English,” explained Max, who is fluent in both Russian and English. “I felt like Chekhov’s texts started to speak to me. I found his words so agile, so relevant, and so enigmatic, that I could not stop. 27 Jan 2011 23:51:58 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_stories_press_release.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_stories_press_release.html ANTON CHEKHOV QUOTES ― Man is what he believes Anton Chekhov ― Love, friendship and respect do not unite people as much as a common hatred for something. Anton Chekhov ― A fiance is neither this nor that: he's left one shore, but not yet reached the other. Anton Chekhov ― A good upbringing means not that you won't spill sauce on the tablecloth, but that you won't notice it when someone else does. Anton Chekhov ― A writer is not a confectioner, a cosmetic dealer, or an entertainer. Anton Chekhov ― Advertising is the very essence of democracy. Anton Chekhov ― All of life and human relations have become so incomprehensibly complex that, when you think about it, it becomes terrifying and your heart stands still. Anton Chekhov ― Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out. Anton Chekhov ― Doctors are just the same as lawyers; the only difference is that lawyers merely rob you, whereas doctors rob you and kill you too. Anton Chekhov ― Doctors are the same as lawyers; the only difference is that lawyers merely rob you, whereas doctors rob you and kill you too. Anton Chekhov 27 Jan 2011 23:51:59 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_quotes.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_quotes.html Short Stories by Anton Chekhov Bk.2, narrated by Russian-born actor Max Bollinger, features the dramatic stories Anyuta; The Helpmate; Ivan Matveyitch; Polinka; and Talent. Featuring music from Pytor Tchaikovsky, the stories are based on the original translations by Constance Clara Garnett, a 19th century expert of Russian literature, and are produced by Interactive Media. Celebrations to mark the 150th birthday of the Pushkin prize-winning writer, widely considered one of the greatest short story writers ever, are continuing around the world. Theatres from Mexico City to Beijing are staging dedicated festivals to this most compassionate of writers, who is best known for the classics The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard. Actor Max, who is fluent in both Russian and English and an aficionado of the dramatist’s works, believes the short stories by the acclaimed 19th century dramatist are as relevant today as when they were first written. Chekhov, who pioneered the “stream of consciousness” style of writing, wrote about credit crunch and financial problems in Russia 100 years ago that echo the current banking crisis and bank’s obsession with bonuses and hoarding capital, explained Max. 28 Jan 2011 00:00:28 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_anniversary_pr.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_anniversary_pr.html Аудио книга рассказы А. П. Чехова (Short Stories by Anton Chekhov), тщателно избранных и поставленных в аудио исполнении Максимом Боллинжер, английским актером русского происхождения, свободно владеющим русским и английским языками. В компакт диск вошли 6 рассказов, которые английским слушателям удастся заполучить в срок к новому году. Новая аудио книга является продукотом многолетней работы 34-летнего Максима Викторовича, которого английские зрители недавно видели в популярном телесереале Доктрор Кто (Doctor WHO) (BBC), а также в фильме Лодка Приведение (Ghost Boat) (ITV), Гонка За Космос (Space Race) (BBC) и Битвы ХХ века (20th Century Battlefields). “Я вновь открыл для себя Чехова в Англии после того, как прочитал его рассказы на английском," объясняет Максим Викторович. "Я почувствовал, как текст Чехова начал со мной говорить. Слова Чехова настолько мудрые, вдохновляющие и радостные, что я не мог оторваться.” 27 Jan 2011 23:52:00 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_stories_press_release_russian.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/chekhov_stories_press_release_russian.html Get the best unabridged audio books here. Audio CDs or MP3 downloads, selection of great classics, romance, drama, langiage learning, human Biological and Psychological methodology and much more. Anton Chekhov was one of the early masters of the short story as well as a great playwright. As is typical of Chekhov’s stories, the five tracks here are carefully constructed slices of life, rich in portrait and moral ambiguity rather than dramatic experiences. Some listeners will find them a less familiar side of the author of UNCLE VANYA and THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Max Bollinger brings the authentic voice and soul of Russia to these classic Constance Garnett translations. While many of the issues in these stories are timeless, listeners will also get to visit, for a while, the old Russia of the czars. D.M.H. AudioFile Magazine, Portland (USA) These unabridged stories in the faithful Constance Garnett translation are presented with fine flourish by the Russian-born narrator. The poignant, everyday dramas of Imperial Russia are here, from jolting carriages across boundless taiga, to a tragic actor and a French tutor insulted by his boastful employer. Rachel Redford, The Observer, The Guardian (UK) This is an audio book, and the narrator has a light Russian accent that lends creditability to the stories. Each of the stories is a picture for me. In fact, I liken each of them to a Monet painting in which you can see the individual strokes of the brush if you stand too close, but stepping back you see the whole picture at once and not the bits that created the whole. Masterpieces! Frayda Glass (MA, USA) All the faults concerning my interaction with this work, are mine. I have trained myself to sit and read a book: it is an activity which absorbs one's main sensory organs, the eyes; and so, the World is closed out. With an audio book, such as this, one needs to block out all extraneous input and drink in the delightful atmosphere as the stories are beautifully read to one. The tracks are superbly interspersed with snatches of music by Tchaikovsky, which set the mood perfectly. It would be exceedingly simple to overdo the 'Russian-ness' of this disc but, the editor has judged the mood perfectly. I have now listened to it a few times and will certainly do so again (hopefully, many times). Enough about the style of the disc, what about the content? My youth coincided with the cold war and so, Russia has always seemed to be a mysterious place where the people are somehow different. These tales of nineteenth century Russia should therefore be totally alien. They are not, of course: Chekhov describes the human condition, it is inherently the same in Russia as in England, or where, and when, ever one happens to live. I suspect that if we do, eventually, find sentient life upon another planet, then they too would read, or listen to, these fables and nod their understanding. Ken Petersen (UK) Listening to Chekhov short stories told in a Russian accented voice. What a pleasant way to spend an hour. Anton Chekhov does so well at condensing time and space into just a few words. Most writers of his time, and of today, would need a novel to tell what he can put into not very many pages. I'm not usually an audio book user, but did enjoy this one. The subtle sound effects and the Russian-sounding narrator added to the listening. Michael Schwager (Southern Idaho, USA) Short Stories by Anton Checkov is an audio book containing five of Checkov’s stories. They are delightfully narrated by Max Bollinger in his charming accented English. The stories are excellent examples of Checkov’s style. Superb characterisation and brilliantly observed slices of life. Checkov’s stories don’t come to an end they just peter out inconclusively leaving you to draw your own conclusions. A very enjoyable collection. Alan Moreton (Essex, UK) A lovely listen, rich, velvety Russian voice, never obtrusive. Well-paced reading, nicely interspersed with Tchaikovsky for atmosphere. A good addition to reading the plays or stories. I will recommend it to my pupils who are studying The Cherry Orchard. Liz O’Sullivan (France) This was my first experience with an audio book, at least for many years. I found the stories themselves captivating and now wish to read them in "regular" form. And only 5 stories is just a sample of Anton Chekhov's works. But I would listen to another collection of his stories again. His stories are about people, with real problems. There are no trite solutions for their problems, sometimes just an understanding of the characters' flaws. Each story offers a portrait of a person, a situation, and through simple dialogue we learn more about them than they know themselves. It is a wonderful experience to hear these stories. Joseph Belliveau (Canada) I really enjoyed this collection of subtly funny vignettes from the life of 19th century small town Russia. There was something odd that I didn't remember about Chekhov's stories at all, but which caught my attention this time - their climax was as subtle as their wit, and seemed to take place way before the end, or not at all. Karim Mamdani (Toronto, Canada) This was an enjoyable experience for me. Its not often that I listen to audiobooks. The readers lightly accented voice wasn't too fast, too slow or too annoying (which can happen with audiobooks and ruins them.) The little vignettes themselves were great. My favorite was the one about the 'little foot'. Hilarious. Renee (MI, USA) 27 Jan 2011 23:51:51 GMT http://www.interactive.eu.com/index.html http://www.interactive.eu.com/index.html