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52 pages 1 hour read

Three Sisters

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1901

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Book Brief

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Anton Chekhov

Three Sisters

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1901
Book Details
Pages

81

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Russia • Early 1900s

Theme
Publication Year

1901

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Three Sisters chronicles the lives of the Prozorov siblings—Olga, Masha, Irina, and their brother Andrei—who, after their father's death, struggle with unfulfilled dreams and the monotony of provincial Russian life, longing to return to Moscow while dealing with love, infidelity, societal changes, and personal revelations within a shifting family dynamic.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

22,711 ratings

60%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Chekhov’s Three Sisters is praised for its deep exploration of human aspirations and disillusionment. Reviewers commend its rich character development and introspective dialogue, though some critics note a slow pace and lack of dramatic action. The play’s nuanced portrayal of existential ennui resonates, despite its occasionally ponderous moments.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Three Sisters?

Readers who relish psychologically complex, character-driven stories with themes of unfulfilled dreams and existential yearning will enjoy Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters. Comparable to lovers of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and Ibsen's A Doll's House, this play appeals to those intrigued by the intricacies of human emotions and societal pressures.

4.0

22,711 ratings

60%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Olga Prozorov

The eldest of the Prozorov sisters, Olga works as a teacher and often feels burdened by the responsibilities and exhaustion of her role, while she longs for happier past times.

The second-oldest sister, Masha is introspective and musically talented, expressing dissatisfaction with her life and marriage which leads her to seek solace in temporary escapes.

The youngest Prozorov sister, Irina is hopeful and eager to find love and meaning, often viewing work as a potential source of fulfillment despite experiencing frustration in her pursuits.

The brother of the Prozorov sisters, Andrey is studious and initially holds academic ambitions, but becomes overwhelmed by personal and financial challenges.

Masha's husband, Kulygin is a cheerful and optimistic teacher who maintains a positive view of his marriage despite underlying tensions.

Originally shy and awkward, Natasha marries into the Prozorov family and undergoes a significant transformation as she asserts herself more forcefully within the household.

An officer newly arrived in town, Vershinin often engages in philosophical discussions and forms personal connections with the Prozorov family.

A lieutenant and suitor to Irina, Tusenbach desires to abandon his military career for work he believes will be more meaningful, driven by a romantic idealism.

An army captain with a troublesome social demeanor, Solyony is often inappropriate in his interactions and harbors unreciprocated feelings for Irina.

An army doctor who sees himself as part of the Prozorov family, Chebutykin often reflects on his past career and relationships with a sense of detachment.

Book Details
Pages

81

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Russia • Early 1900s

Theme
Publication Year

1901

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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