Title: A Troublesome Visitor
Date Read: 25th May 2010
Briefly: Poor old Artyom, a short and lean peasant with a wrinkled, aged-looking face and a little beard that grows out of his neck, is petrified with his current situation. So many villains have knocked on the door of his isolated hut and made demands upon him, that he now lives in fear, terrified by every noise that comes to him. Sitting one night with a hunter who has himself made himself at home, a distant call for help reaches the ears of both men. Reaching for his gun the hunter makes ready to set out, but will the old forester follow him?
Afterthoughts: This is a rather a fun tale from Chekhov; one which is laced with a fair amount of humour. I wouldn’t say it’s a story that stands heads and shoulders above any other one from Chekhov (the storyline is rather weak) but it is one that entertains more than most.
Notable Quote: “I’ve been forester, my lad, for thirty years, and I couldn’t tell you what I have had to put up with from wicked men. There have been lots and lots of them here. The hut’s on a track, it’s a cart-road, and that brings them, the devils. Every sort of ruffian turns up, and without taking off his cap or making the sign of the cross, bursts straight in upon one with: ‘Give us some bread, you old so-and-so.’ And where am I to get bread for him? What claim has he? Am I a millionaire to feed every drunkard that passes?
Rating: 
*Story read as part of my Checkin’ Off The Chekhov Shorts reading challenge.
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