Reading Chekhov

PRAISE FOR READING CHEKHOV

“Malcolm analyzes the transformations that Chekhov grants his redeemable roués and guileless heroines, and illuminates the hidden surreality and waywardness of his realism.”

—The New Yorker

“Her method is that of the careful reporter who, in Chekhovian manner, starts out with quotidian details, small particulars of time and place . . . and, giving credit to other critics, where it is due, builds on her observations and recollections of the stories and plays to reach heights of feeling and judgment.”

—Washington, D.C., Sunday Times

“Reading Chekhov: A Critical Journey brings the Russian master under the gaze of an astute journalist and critic.”

—Newsday (one of Newsday’s Favorite Books of 2001)

“Part literary appreciation, part biography, part travelogue as Malcolm visits Chekhov’s various Russian haunts, it’s a lush, thoughtful and beautifully written consideration of the premier practitioner of the [short story] form.”

—The Orlando Sentinel

“. . . informative and beautifully written.”

—Time Out New York

“[Malcolm] seamlessly stitches together both standard biographical information . . . and close analysis and interpretation. . . . Malcolm offers a stirring, roving chronicle of ‘our poet of the provisional and fragmentary.’ ”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Malcolm . . . brings her considerable talents to Chekhov studies in a work that is a combination of biography, travel book, and literary criticism. . . . In each chapter, she deftly takes us back to Chekhov’s day. . . . It is not necessary to know Chekhov’s writings to enjoy this splendid book, but it will serve to prod the reader to Chekhov’s works and the treasures that await.”

—Library Journal

“Reading Chekhov is brilliantly composed and a delight to read.”

—The Sunday Oregonian

“Malcolm’s thinking about Chekhov is clear and her writing is always good, often exceptional—stylistically worthy, in short, of her subject. . . . Malcolm’s biggest achievement is that she directs you back to the author—a refreshing change from the critics who want to direct you to themselves, their colleagues and their jargon.”

—Madison, Wisconsin, Capital Times

“Janet Malcolm’s Reading Chekhov was fluent and engaging, testifying to, apart from everything else, the great affection and instinctive regard so many writers . . . have felt towards the Russian genius.”

—Times Literary Supplement (one of TLS’s International Books of the Year)