Featured Stories

The Daemon Lover

The Daemon Lover: Short story by Shirley JacksonIn this haunting psychological horror story by Shirley Jackson a woman wakes on what was to be her wedding day to realize that: 1) she may have been used and duped by a dapper writer’s promise of marriage; and 2) contrary to social expectations of the day, she may find herself “left on the shelf” at age thirty-four. In her desperatione to find the man she shows signs of mental instability, questioning whether the proposal was real or imagined. Themes include isolation and loneliness, social pressure, manipulation, imagination vs. reality, denial, obsession.

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The Heathen

The Heathen: Short story by Jack LondonThis Jack London story describes the seventeen-year relationship between a hard-drinking American pearl buyer and an outcast Pacific Islander (Otoo). The only survivors of a ship that sinks in a hurricane, the two form a life-long bond. Otoo becomes the American’s shadow and protector and, thanks to his judicious career and investment advice, the friends become wealthy. While the American enjoys their riches, Otoo refuses to spend them. The story ends tragically, with Otoo making the supreme sacrifice in saving the American’s life. Themes include colonialism and exploitation, the power of nature, racism, friendship, selflessness, courage, sacrifice, secular humanism.

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Mateo Falcone

Mateo Falcone: Short story by Prosper MériméeThis disturbing tale by Prosper Mérimée has been called “the cruellest story in the world”. Although it deals with some complex issues, the plot is rather simple. Set in the wilds of Corsica, a bratty ten-year-old boy left home alone is confronted by a wounded criminal fleeing the police. He pays the boy to hide him but, when the police arrive and offer a bigger reward, the boy betrays the man. This brings shame upon his family, and forces his father to enforce the Corsican Code of Honor. Themes include greed, honor and betrayal, custom (vendetta), violence and brutality.

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Story in a Mirror

Story in a Mirror: Short story by Ilse AichingerIn this intriguing story by Ilse Aichinger, a woman’s life “flashes before her eyes” as she dies in hospital from an infection following an illegal abortion. During her death struggle she looks forward, picturing her burial, and then travells backward in time, re-living key events all the way back to her birth. An interesting concept is that the journey brings redemption… In the mirror one does everything so that it may be forgiven. For example, it becomes clear that she didn’t want the abortion, but rather was ordered to by her controlling lover. Themes include, death, time, memories, regret, redemption.

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The Other

The Other: Short story by Jorge BorgesIn this story by Jorge Borges, a younger man sits beside an aging teacher sitting on a riverside bench. As they talk, the teacher realizes that the younger man is himself at an earlier age. An ‘impossible’ date on an American banknote convinces the skeptical young man this is true. The teacher concludes that while the meeting was real and he definitely took part in it, the younger man wasn’t really there… he was dreaming the encounter! This begs the question, Could it have been the other way around? Themes include human existence, time, memory, dreams, old age, relativism.

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How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife

How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife: Short story by Manuel E. AguillaIn this popular Filipino story from Manuel E. Arguilla, a son brings his city-based bride home to the countryside to “meet the family”, only to have the poor woman tested by his father before she even arrives. The father has his younger son meet them with a bullock cart rather than horse and carriage, and bring them home via a stony “short-cut” along a dry creek bed rather than the smoother main road. The apprehensive but charming girl (in high heels no less!) passes the tests with flying colors. Themes: love, fear, perseverance, patriarchy, reputation.

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A Sunrise on the Veld

A Sunrise on the Veld: Short story by Doris LessingIn this coming-of-age story by Doris Lessing, the fifteen-year-old son of an Afrikaner farmer is so confident in his physical prowess and invincibility that every morning, before his parents wake up, he sneaks out of his house and goes hunting alone. One day he witnesses a negative side to hunting when he comes across a young buck with a broken leg suffering as it is devoured by ants. The experience teaches him that for anyone, including himself, death can come at any time. Themes include hubris, the harsh reality of nature, mortality.

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The Fiddler

The Fiddler: Short story by Herman MelvilleIn this story from Herman Melville, the major theme (finding the right balance between ambition, fame and happiness in life) is introduced indirectly through a chance meeting. A struggling writer is in a “desperate mood” after negative reviews of his latest work. His life changes when he is introduced to a contented, good-humored man who goes house to house teaching the fiddle. The writer admires the way “commonplace” fiddler, who appears to have no special talents, is able to live life to the fullest. Enlightenment comes when he learns the fiddler’s secret. Other themes: accepting criticism, judging by appearances.

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