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The Cherry Orchard

A Comedy in Four Acts
3.69 goodreads logo

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( 45,760 ratings, 2,233 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Cherry Orchard, a play by Anton Chekhov, unfolds around the aristocratic Russian Ranevskaya family facing financial ruin. As they contemplate selling their cherished cherry orchard to avoid bankruptcy, the play explores themes of change, social upheaval, and the poignant passage of time. Chekhov masterfully crafts a delicate balance of comedy and tragedy, reflecting the societal shifts of early 20th-century Russia.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you appreciate classic literature that explores themes of change, family dynamics, and societal transition. As a cornerstone of modern drama, it offers a rich tapestry of characters and emotions, blending comedy and tragedy in a way that reflects the universal human experience.

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This Student Edition of Chekhov's last and most elusive play, a study of the effect of social change on the values of individuals, includes notes on the life and career of the playwright, an introduction giving the background to the play and a guide to its interpretation.

This Student Edition of Chekhov's last and most elusive play, a study of the effect of social change on the values of individuals, includes notes on the life and career of the playwright, an introduction giving the background to the play and a guide to its interpretation.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Cherry Orchard is a tragi-comedy by Anton Chekhov, and perhaps his most popular play. The Gayev family is torn by powerful forces deeply rooted in history and the society in which they live. Their estate is hopelessly in debt, and they are urged to cut down their beautiful cherry orchard to sell the land for holiday cottages. They struggle to act decisively.

This edition was originally published to coincide with Peter Hall's National Theatre production in 1978. It features the revised translation staged by Sam Mendes at the Aldwych Theatre, London, in 1989, starring Judi Dench and Ronald Pickup.

Frayn's translation is described by New Statesman as "splendidly lucid and alive," suggesting that it "will be acted again and again."

The book includes commentary and notes by Nick Worrall.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Cherry Orchard is praised for Michael Frayn's translation, which is described as lucid and brings a vibrant quality to the text. Critics suggest that this version will endure, being performed repeatedly due to its lively and clear interpretation.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780413695000

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 August 1995

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Edition: New edition

Illustration: 1 colour, 8 page sections

Contributors:

  • Translated by Michael Frayn
  • Edited by Nick Worrall

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 182g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) first turned to writing as a medical student at Moscow University, from which he graduated in 1884. Among his early plays were short monologues (The Evils of Tobacco, 1885), one-act farces such as The Bear, The Proposal and The Wedding (1888-89) and the 'Platonov' material, adapted by Michael Frayn as Wild Honey. The first three full-length plays to be stage, Ivanov (1887), The Wood Demon (1889) and The Seagull (1896) were initially failures. But the Moscow Arts Theatre's revival of The Seagull two years later was successful and was followed by his masterpieces, Uncle Vanya (1889), Three Sisters (1901), and The Cherry Orchard in 1904, the year of his death.

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