Title: The Choristers
Date Read: 29 October 2008
Word Count: 1833
Briefly: The eminent Count Vladimir Ivanovitch is coming to visit Yefremovo and Alexey Alexeitch, the sacristan of the church, is charged with getting the choir ready for a performance. As the Count’s rumoured visit looms ever closer, the practises increase, and so does the tension.
Afterthoughts: I found this to be quite a comedic tale. Alexeitch is quite obviously a big colourful chap, full of exuberance, and during practise it seems that he is often more the attraction rather than the choir; Chekhov paints the character well. Definitely not the best story I’ve read from Chekhov so far, but one that is definitely worth looking at.
Notable Quote: “Alexey Alexeitch was a tall, thick-set man of dignified deportment, with a fat, clean-shaven face that reminded one of a cow’s udder. His imposing figure and double chin made him look like a man occupying an important position in the secular hierarchy rather than a sacristan.”
Rating: 
*Story read as part of my Checking Off The Chekhov Shorts reading challenge.
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