Eminently readable. I am glad that I finally got to read this book. The book connected with me because the places it describes such as Santa Monica, Wilshire boulevard etc., is where I spent my time when I was living in Southern California. "I am Arturo Bandini. I am a writer. I am a lover of men, and beast alike." In short, I highly recommend the book.

Having read the book, I can't help but wonder if Checkov was secretly stoic. Especially, in stories such as " A Boring Story", "Student", and "Bishop", he veers into exploring death, interconnectedness of human-beings and transitory nature of power and fame. Overall, it was one of the best short story collections I have ever read.