If you enjoy reading books by Anton Chekhov then you might also like the following authors:
Ivan Turgenev was a Russian writer who captured everyday life and ordinary emotions in a thoughtful way, similar to Anton Chekhov. In his novel “Fathers and Sons,” Turgenev explores the conflict between different generations and ideas in Russia in the 19th century.
The book follows a young man named Bazarov who returns home from university with radical ideas about society and life. His interactions with family and friends show the tensions between tradition and change.
Turgenev’s characters are honest and relatable, and he portrays their struggles gently and clearly. Readers who enjoy Chekhov’s quiet realism and thoughtful look at people may find Turgenev’s “Fathers and Sons” very engaging as well.
Leo Tolstoy was a Russian author famous for his thoughtful and realistic stories about life, society and human nature. If you’re a fan of Anton Chekhov, you might enjoy Tolstoy’s style as well.
In his novel “Anna Karenina,” Tolstoy shows the struggles of people in relationships and society. The main character, Anna, is an unhappy married woman who falls in love with a young officer. Her actions create tension between personal desires and society’s expectations.
Alongside Anna, other characters face their own challenges and hopes. Tolstoy carefully brings each of them to life, creating characters that feel authentic and relatable. His writing encourages readers to see things from different points of view.
Fyodor Dostoevsky is a Russian author known for character-driven novels that explore human psychology and social issues. Readers who enjoyed Chekhov’s realistic stories might also like Dostoevsky’s novels. One of his most famous books is “Crime and Punishment.”
It follows the story of Raskolnikov, a poor student who commits a crime because he believes special people have the right to break laws. After the act, Raskolnikov deals with guilt and paranoia as he tries to evade detection.
The novel offers an insightful look into the human conscience, morality and the consequences of one’s actions.
If you enjoy Anton Chekhov, you might also appreciate Nikolai Gogol, another influential writer of Russian literature known for his humor and sharp observations about society.
Gogol’s short novel “The Overcoat” tells the story of Akaky Akakievich, a humble government clerk who becomes obsessed with obtaining a new coat.
This seemingly simple desire leads him into situations that reveal surprising insights about social status, bureaucracy, and human dignity. Gogol creates characters who are memorable and deeply human, capturing everyday life with both wit and sadness.
If you appreciate Chekhov’s realistic style and quiet depth, Gogol’s storytelling may offer you another perspective on Russian life and humanity.
If you’re a fan of Anton Chekhov, you might appreciate the work of Mikhail Bulgakov. Bulgakov was a Russian writer known for his sharp wit and imaginative stories.
His most famous novel, “The Master and Margarita,” mixes fantasy with a sharp satire of Soviet society in the 1930s. The story includes strange events caused by the arrival of the Devil in atheistic Moscow.
It follows several unforgettable characters and a touching romance between the Master—a novelist—and Margarita, who remains loyal despite his struggle to publish his controversial manuscript.
Bulgakov creates a vivid portrait of Moscow filled with humor, mystery, and thoughtful observations on human nature.
If you enjoy reading Anton Chekhov, Vladimir Nabokov is another author you might find interesting. Nabokov was a Russian-American novelist known for his sharp observations and beautifully detailed storytelling.
His novel “Pnin” offers a thoughtful mix of humor and sadness through the character of Timofey Pnin, a Russian professor at an American university who struggles to adapt to life abroad.
The story follows Pnin’s experiences in both personal and professional life, with Nabokov’s precise language capturing the character’s emotional depth and vulnerability.
Readers who appreciate Chekhov’s subtle insight into human nature might enjoy Nabokov’s ability to portray complex characters like Pnin in a realistic and relatable way.
If you enjoy Anton Chekhov, you might appreciate the work of John Cheever. Known as a master of short stories, Cheever captures the everyday lives of suburban Americans with humor and compassion.
His collection “The Stories of John Cheever” offers a memorable glimpse into mid-20th-century American life. One standout story, “The Swimmer,” follows Neddy Merrill, a seemingly successful man who decides one day to swim across all the swimming pools in his neighborhood.
As Neddy moves from one yard to the next, he encounters neighbors who slowly reveal more about his life than he realizes. This journey paints an unusual and memorable picture of suburban life.
If Chekhov’s stories catch your attention, “The Stories of John Cheever” may appeal to your taste as well.
Munro is a Canadian author acclaimed for her short stories, which focus on the intricacies of daily life and personal relationships. Her ability to capture the essence of human nature might appeal to those who admire Chekhov.
Carver’s minimalist style and focus on everyday life draw comparisons to Chekhov. His exploration of simple yet profound narratives offers a sense of realism that lovers of Chekhov might find familiar.
Kafka’s writing is infused with existential themes and a lucid examination of the human condition. His intriguing blend of the ordinary and the bizarre may entice readers who value Chekhov’s depth.
Katherine Mansfield was a writer from New Zealand who became known for her short stories. Her work often looks at ordinary moments in life, but there’s an emotional depth to how those moments unfold.
One of her well-known collections, “The Garden Party and Other Stories,” includes a mix of characters dealing with changes, misunderstandings, and unexpected emotions.
In the title story, a wealthy family prepares for a lavish garden party, but a tragedy in the nearby working-class neighborhood forces the protagonist, Laura, to confront questions about class, privilege, and human connection.
Mansfield’s stories have a way of capturing small details that linger in your mind long after you’ve read them.
Joyce’s innovative narrative techniques and rich character studies place him alongside Chekhov in terms of pioneering modern literature. His subtle portrayal of everyday life resonates with Chekhov’s style.
Márquez’s magical realism and focus on human nature deliver stories filled with emotional truth. His profound themes and intricate narratives might intrigue Chekhov enthusiasts.
Woolf’s exploration of the inner thoughts and feelings of her characters in her stream-of-consciousness style offers a depth of psychological insight similar to the complexity found in Chekhov’s work.
Lahiri’s stories often explore themes of identity and belonging, with a delicate but profound approach to character development. Her insightful narratives echo the emotional depth found in Chekhov’s pieces.