The Murder [1895] by Anton Chekhov – ★★★★1/2

This short atmospheric story by Anton Chekhov tells of the relationship between two brothers torn by suspicions about money, pride and religious fanaticism. Matvey is an ex-factory worker who struggles with his health and is forced to live at the inn run by his brother, merchant Yakov and his family. In the midst of one snowy winter, the family feels particularly claustrophobic in their house, and in no time Yakov and Matvey’s discord comes to its climax. This is a vivid tale of the price of faith, and a thorny path to it, a story of the ultimate crime and the ultimate punishment.

Alien Hearts [1890] by Guy de Maupassant – ★★★★

Guy de Maupassant’s last novel is “a delicate study of falling in love, enjoying its bliss and then being tortured by love’s poisonous darts. Subtle in its contours, but bold in its themes, this tale of being at cross-purposes with one’s beloved must be one of Maupassant’s finest literary achievement.” – see full review.

Continue reading “October 2023 Wrap-Up: From The Murder to The Blind” →