[ book tip by Sonya Davda ] No one does realism as well as Chekhov. And in The Cherry Orchard his dialogue is possibly at its most naturalistic. The drama is centred around the Gayev family and their estate which houses the beloved cherry orchard. In financial dire straits, the estate and cherry orchard are under threat, which in turn means potential family upheaval and loss of a home for the entire household, which includes a maid, two footmen and governess.
                                                                                                        
It’s a tragi-comedy that portrays the struggle of holding onto something very dear, and the fin de siècle of a generation that have lived on the estate. Chekhov depicts human suffering with eloquent, touching and amusing dialogue, as the tragedy unfolds feelings of loss and futility can be identified in each character. Lyuba Ranyevskaya, the landowner and leading lady, reminisces tearfully about her children’s nursery and fears what lies ahead for her. She holds parties trying to retain jovial past times whilst frittering money away. Firs, the aging footman, demonstrates his fierce loyalty to the family and the running of the house in touching soliloquies. Lenya Gayev, Lyuba’s brother speaks emotionally about an old bookcase which has, 'never faltered', as if it were a member of the family. There are also sub-plots amongst the younger family members which keeps the play moving forwards.  

If you’re into realism, you should read this play because Chekhov is a dramatist who has clearly mastered the ability to convey humanity in its truest form, primarily by revealing human emotions through aspects of everyday life. And as one of his finest plays, this is highly recommended.    

[ Favourite quote ] 'And why did I go into town for lunch? That horrible restaurant of yours with the music playing, and the tablecloths smelling of soap... why do you drink so much, Lenya? Why do you eat so much? Why do you talk so much? In the restaurant today you kept talking again – and it was all so rambling. The seventies, the Decadent movement. And who were you saying it all to? Fancy telling the waiters about the Decadents!'

[ book info ] Chekhov, Anton: The Cherry Orchard. (Book language: English) Methuen Publishing Limited, London, 2005 (1978). ISBN: 041369500x.