Freedom on the Horizon

Chekhov’s stories present multiple versions of a simple scenario: anything is possible. One day, randomly, anywhere, a specter pierces the mundane lives of servitude: freedom is there, on the horizon, hinting at the possibility of another life, a life where we know the reason for our existence. But most ignore this call. They prefer that nothing happens. But Chekhov doesn’t give up. He insists on accompanying his characters to those places where their lives might be turned upside down. From story to story, he weaves this time driven by the merciless machine of reproduction, which, from pause to pause, tears itself apart and unfolds into a time of supposed freedom that refuses to end, yet remains a suspended possibility. We could call this the politics of literature.

This book, written by one of Europe’s leading thinkers, opens up new and exciting perspectives on reading the Russian writer’s works.

Francisco López Martín holds a degree in philosophy from the University of Valencia and a degree in psychology from the Open University of Catalonia. He has translated over 100 titles for publishers such as Acantilado, Acal, Alba, Atalanta, Destino, Gredos, Herman Blum, Ossiano, Baidos, RBA, and PUV. He is the director of the film group... Learn more about Francisco López Martín