Tricky Endings And Short Stories

“A Short story is a different thing altogether...it is like a quick kiss in the dark from a stranger.” As Stephen king has described, short story highlights the idea of awkward ending and momentary tensions.

Here are few examples which bring out the beautiful essence of a short story.

Dubliners: Set in the background of Dublin, Joyce’s Dubliners is the perfect example of serendipity for the book lovers. Dublin with its mundane people and everyday life is described thoroughly in the light epiphany. Joyce’s mastery is undoubtedly visible in every description be it being a man or emotional. Opening with the embodiment of youth, this collection ends with an uneasy note with a very significant story, The Dead.

Blind willow sleeping women: Written by Japanese contemporary, Haruki Murakami this collection of 24 stories is addictive, uncanny and relentlessly entertaining. From the mysterious girl to the firefly this book exhibit Murakami’s magic throughout the pages.

The Essential Tales of Chekov: Rich in social conflicts and human insight this collection brings out one of the best narratives Russia has ever offered. Full of truth, humour and social injustice;The lady and the dog; is worth mentioning.

Nine stories: Concise, surprising and witty masterpiece of Salinger’s collection contains; The perfect day for Bananafish; which illustrates disturbed reflection of post traumatic mind. Nine stories, during its time of publication were considered by the critics to be awkwardly brilliant with surprising endings.

The Four million: Set in the background of New York City O Henry’s The Four Million is undoubtedly a brilliant masterpiece. America with its diverse people and culture is thoroughly reflected in the background. The stories are vibrant, witty and end with plot twist. The Gift of the Magi and The cop and the Anthem are worth mentioning.

The Complete short stories of guy de Maupassant: French writer Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant or Guy Da Maupassant is known as the father of modern short stories. Died at a young age Maupassant’s Boule de Suif is one of the most well-known short story . Set in the background of Franco-Prussian war it reflects human struggle in the realistic way.

The Night Born: American short story writer Jack London in a way made me fall in love with short stories. With a naturalistic style he has offered us the simple description and vivid imagery. Human behaviour is highlighted with the surprising elements.

This list would be incomplete without mentioning Gogol. The finest master of words, Gogol amalgamated vulgarity with metaphysical horror. The coat is one of his best works which deals with the theme of identity and class. The plot gets really eerie because of the supernatural touch.