The Best Short Stories
The Best Short Stories
Collections From the gothic horror of Edgar Allan Poe to the literary genius of Dima Alzayat, here's our pick of the best short story collections.
There are so many reasons to love short stories; not least their ability to immerse us in new worlds in the time it takes to commute to work, or the common themes that weave through anthologies to create a thought-provoking whole. Here we've rounded up our pick of the best short story collections. From chilling stories and funny short stories to literary masterpieces, these are simply not to be missed
You Will Never Forget by Mary South
Mary South's bitingly funny debut collection explores how technology can both ruin relationships and new possibilities for true connection. The ten stories in this book are darkly absurd and highly critical of our current cultural climate, while at the same time finding hope in moments of tenderness and fleeting interactions. Mary South is a discerning, distinctive new voice in fiction.
Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang
In this masterful collection, Ted Chiang deftly blends human emotion and scientific rationalism into eight remarkably diverse stories. Story of Your Life was adapted into the blockbuster's Arrival, starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, and each of the seven other stories in this book is equally poignant. Chiang worked for years on these short science fiction stories, creating epic worlds beyond imagination.
Alligator and Other Stories by Dima Alzayat
Alligator and Other Stories explores the many ways to feel displaced: as a Syrian, as an Arab, as an immigrant, as a woman. Each of these rich, recognizable stories highlights the moment when unusual circumstances mark us as 'other' - different from our neighbors. Each of these stories is surprising and real, delivering an emotional punch that lingers long after reading.
A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth by Daniel Mason
A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth is a funny, irreverent and moving collection of short stories by award-winning author Daniel Mason. On a fateful flight, a balloonist makes a discovery that changes her life forever, a telegraph operator finds an unexpected companion in the depths of the Amazon, and a bony hunter prepares to face his most terrifying adversary. In these intertwined stories, men and women are confronted with the mysteries and magic of the world.
Exhalation by Ted Chiang
This groundbreaking collection from Ted Chiang, acclaimed author of Stories of Your Life and Others, features nine surprisingly original, provocative and moving short stories. Struggling with the Oldest Questions on Earth - What Does It Mean to Be Human? What is the nature of the universe? - this is really thoughtful and complex science fiction.
Salt Slow by Julia Arm field
This dazzling collection of short stories about women and their experiences in society is sure to shock and delight. Characters experience isolation, obsession and love in creepy worlds where women become insects, men turn to stone and a city becomes sleepless. This is an extraordinary collection that combines mythic and gothic.
Sweet Home by Wendy Erskine
This highly anticipated collection of short stories is the first from the talented Wendy Erskine. Set in her native Northern Ireland, this collection features eleven short stories about the struggle of ordinary people to lead an orderly, simple life in a world where tragedy can arise.
Civil war land in Bad Decline
Civil war land is the first collection of short stories from Man Booker Prize 2017 winner, George Saunders. In these stories, he casts a bleak but comical look at America in the not-so-distant future. Saunders is considered a master of the short story, making this collection simply not to be missed.
Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe
A master of the gothic and macabre; mysterious illnesses, madness, murder and the supernatural abound in Poe's short stories. This collection brings together some of his most famous stories, from The Tell-Tale Heart to The Fall of the House of Usher, using lesser known gems.
A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin
It's only after her death that Lucia Berlin's incredible works really get the attention they deserve. In this collection of 43 short stories, she provides an intimate insight into her chaotic but beautiful life. This collection was introduced by Lydia Davis.
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
Angela Carter is arguably the queen of magical realism. In this amazing collection, she takes classic fairy tales we all know and love - Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, Beauty and the Beast - and turns them upside down to create dark, sensual stories you need to be brave. to read before going to sleep.
How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs
In her debut collection, Alexia Arthurs' extraordinary short stories explore the lives and experiences of Jamaican immigrants and the families they leave behind. Her moving stories including 'Light Skinned Girls and Kelly Rowlands', 'Mermaid River' and 'Bad Behavior' are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Not-Dead and The Saved and Other Stories by Kate Clanchy
Former BBC National Short Story Award winner Kate Clanchy exposes raw emotion in this moving collection of short stories about love and loss . Just as powerful as her poetry, this collection emphasizes Clanchy's enormous talent.
Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami
In the seven short stories that make up this collection, Haruki Murakami describes the lives of men who have been alone for various reasons. Fans of his work will recognize his wry humor on every page, and for new readers, this collection serves as the perfect introduction to one of today's most renowned writers.
The Happy Prince & Other Stories by Oscar Wilde
Part of the wonderful Macmillan Collector's Library series, The Happy Prince & Other Stories, is a charming collection of short stories written by Oscar Wilde between 1887 and 1891. The stories are fantastic, magical and sparkling with Wilde's unique humor and personality. Beautifully illustrated, this collection makes a great gift for friends and family.
Kiss Kiss by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl's stories for kids are delightful and fantastic, with just the right pinch of cunning in them. But things get a lot darker in this collection of short stories for adults. . . Introduce yourself to a new side of one of Britain '
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