A WOMAN'S KINGDOM

A Woman's Kingdom

"And while she was warm in bed and struggling with sleep -- which seems, as though to spite one, particularly sweet when one ought to get up -- "

Just loved this aside by Chekhov because it's so real!

A Woman's Kingdom presents the world of Anna Akimovna. She is the rich factory owner whom everyone depends on for work and charity. However, although she has everyone kissing up to her -- she is lonely and unhappy. She longs to marry.

The story is interesting because it captures the world of Anna Akimovna as only Chekhov can. We are made to feel part of that world -- while we are also allowed our judgments.

Yesterday, I was reading an excerpt of Gay Talese's famous Esquire article of the 1960's  "Frank Sinatra Has A Cold" -- and I can see many similarities between Sinatra's reality and Anna Akimovna's. Especially the sense that while they have plenty of  people around them -- hangers on -- necessary and entertaining -- somehow in their soul they are yearning for a deep connection to another human being -- they want to experience true love -- but their exalted position makes that almost impossible to achieve.