Name: The Darling
ISBN: 9781689924894

Anton Chekhov

The Darling is a short story by Russian author Anton Chekhov, first published in 1899 in London, it follows the life of a woman who is referred to as darling. Olenka Plemyannikova, the daughter of a retired collegiate assessor, falls in love with the theater owner, Kukin. Olenka's father dies and she marries Kukin, the two of them live a happy married life...until Kukin travels to Moscow and dies.

The Darling

Olga seems to be the perfect woman: plump, pretty and friendly, and those around her consider her to be a darling girl. However, as over the years and through several spouses, Olga’s true character becomes increasingly evident. "The Darling" reflects author Anton Chekhov’s criticism of women, who he viewed as having no intellectual lives, and whose happiness he believed was dependent on that of their husbands. HarperCollins brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperCollins short-stories collection to build your digital library.

Safiya 

Ilse

I really loved Chekhov's writing in this short story, and particularly how he brought Olenka to life. Although I didn't like how she was completely dependent on a husband to form opinions or even have the will to live, giving up whenever they either perished or fled, I do respect how she pours her heart and soul into caring for her spouse (and spouse's child later on). 

Basically (as I see it) Olenka just failed to grow into herself and her character despite (in my opinion) having the capacity to do so. It's tragic as I don't believe she ever got to experience real reciprocated love, which is something I wish everyone can experience

The Darling

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