This collection gathers some of Chekhov's most powerful later stories. They don't have big, dramatic plots. Instead, they focus on the turning points in seemingly everyday lives.

The Story

The main story, 'The Black Monk,' is about Kovrin, a scholar who is told a legend about a monk who appears as a phantom. Soon after, Kovrin begins seeing this monk himself. The monk tells Kovrin he is a genius, chosen for a higher purpose. This 'gift' fills Kovrin with euphoria, but it wreaks havoc on his health and his relationships. The people who love him see a man spiraling into illness. The central question becomes: is the monk a divine messenger or a symptom of a breaking mind? The other stories, like 'The Student' and 'Rothschild's Fiddle,' are shorter but just as potent, capturing moments where a simple event changes a person forever.

Why You Should Read It

Chekhov has this incredible way of showing you a character's entire world in a few pages. He doesn't judge them; he just presents their hopes and flaws with clear-eyed honesty. Reading these stories feels like overhearing a profound secret. They make you think about the stories we tell ourselves to get through life, and what happens when those stories fall apart. The tension in 'The Black Monk' is especially brilliant—you're never quite sure what's real, which makes you question how any of us really knows what's in our own heads.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love character-driven fiction and don't need every question neatly answered. If you enjoy the psychological depth of writers like Alice Munro or the quiet intensity of a good short film, you'll find a lot to love here. It's a book for a thoughtful afternoon, one that will leave you looking at the people around you—and maybe yourself—a little differently.