Title: Malingerers
Date Read: 12 February 2009
Word Count: 1384
Briefly: Marfa Petrovna, a practising homeopathic doctor, is delighted when a patient enters her consulting room and begins hailing her as an angel and a saviour. Her prescribed medicines have worked wonders on the man and she couldn’t be happier. So happy she is in fact that offers to help the man, a poor farmer, out of his financial downturn. It soon becomes clear however, that having a waiting room full of overly gratified ‘cured’ patients, may not be as welcoming as it would first seems
Afterthoughts: What can I say? Another exquisite story penned by the hand of the master of comedy. More and more as I read these Chekhov shorts, I can see why he titillates and entertains so many people, as much in death as he did in life. Genius!
Notable Quote: “While I live I will not rise,” says Zamuhrishen, bending over her hand. “Let all the world see my homage on my knees, our guardian angel, benefactress of the human race! Let them! Before the good fairy who has given me life, guided me into the path of truth, and enlightened my scepticism I am ready not merely to kneel but to pass through fire, our miraculous healer, mother of the orphan and the widowed! I have recovered. I am a new man, enchantress!”
Rating: 
*Story read as part of my Checkin’ Off The Chekhov Shorts reading challenge.
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