Uncle Vanya (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

~ Anton Chekhov (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

So, what happens in Uncle Vanya? Not much; just life, played out over four acts. There are rich people, and there are people who work for the rich people, whom the rich people don't really care about. There is a gun fired in anger and desperation, but there aren't any bodies to carry off stage. There are men making fools of themselves over women. There are those who accept their fates and wait for their rewards in heaven, and there are others who don't care one way or another. There is a character whose name is in lights as the title, but he doesn't add up to all that much. Chekhov's play moves so languidly that, without a vibrant cast, an understanding director, and a lively translation, it stands the chance of passing under the radar of the average audience. Columbus's reworking of the script (done for Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company) aims at accessibility, replacing the "outdated colloquialisms" and "brittle prose" of earlier translations. And, for the most part, it's OK. It's not revelatory or revolutionary, but it stands as good a chance as any of getting the audience to come back after intermission. Recommended for collections in need of a new copy of this work. Larry Schwartz, Minnesota State Univ. Lib., Moorhead
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

This structurally and psychologically compact drama takes place on an estate in 19th-century Russia, exploring the complex interrelationships between a retired professor, his second wife, and the daughter and brother-in-law from his first marriage. Interwoven themes of weakness, delusion, and despair–balanced by an underlying message of courage and hope–make this one of the most expressive of Chekhov’s works.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; New edition (January 26, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486401596
• ISBN-13: 978-0486401591
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #799,903 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars engaging, August 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Uncle Vanya (Paperback)

I enjoyed reading Uncle Vanya. It delves into the lives of everyday normal people and their hopes and disillusionments of life. It is about self-realization and not getting what you want. A great play.

4.0 out of 5 stars Appealing, April 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Uncle Vanya (Paperback)

In a world full of whining and complaining about insignificant things, it's fun to once again admire Anton Chekhov and his ability to make this seem imperative to human life. While in the setting of Russian gentry, everything as falling apart, and the lives of the characters are no more gratifying than anyone else's.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Checkov at his best, August 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Uncle Vanya (Paperback)

I have read many versions of Uncle Vanya, but this edition is an up-beat, funny, and, ultimately wonderful version of the excellent story by one of Russias beloved writers. I was looking for the right edition to use in my school for the school play, and this edition the kids could connect to. It dosen't have a lot of that Shakespere mumbo-jumbo that you have to read 50 times. This is accesible and very good. rock on David Mamet.