Translated by Constance Garnett

This collection by Anton Chekhov consists of nine stories: The Wife, Difficult People, The Grasshopper, A Dreary Story, The Privy Councillor, The Man in a Case, Gooseberries, About Love and The Lottery Ticket.

In one, a dying man—much esteemed, much feted—dwells on his life and tries to make sense of both the past and whatever future is left to him.

In another, a beautiful and vivacious woman marries a quiet, sedate man with whom she is happy for a while, until a more exciting love comes her way.

In another, the chance of winning 75,000 roubles in a lottery sends a man and his wife into a realm of daydreams which swiftly turn unpleasant. (Goodreads)