My Favourite Short Stories

Every time I try to write a short story, I stare at the question as to what makes a good short story. The inimitable Khushwant Singh remarks  "A short story is in fact a short story and not a novella or an abridged novel. It revolves around one or two characters or at most three and does not have a long list of dramatis personae as in novels. It is limited in time and space and does not span decades or spread out in different locales. It also has a well formulated central theme and does not touch upon several topics or clashes of personalities. It has a distinct beginning, a build up and usually a dramatic end, frequently an unexpected one which sums up the story." 

I am an absolute lover of short stories. I'll give up a novel for a collection of short stories, any day. There is something about a short story that strikes a vital chord. I don't have to be hooked to the book for long and yet have a chance at a memorable read. All vital sentiments and experiences distilled into distinctly few characters whose story is told seamlessly and without undue protraction. I've nothing against novella. But I prefer short stories. Reading short stories is like having fast food without all the health hazards yet with the same nutrition as normal food.

At long last I found the opportunity and, more importantly the required span of time, to compile the list of my favorite short stories. I do not adore or despise any particular genre of story telling. However any story which is told in an indulging narrative and reflects man's life experiences, especially crisis of spirit in the many myriad tribulations of life touch me the most. I must tell you that the fact that this list is not very long should not imply that I only like this many stories from all that I've read. There are so many stories that remain etched in my mind that this post could require a number of monotonous scrolling to reach to the end of it. Nor do I consider my self to be in any position, other than that of a mere reader, to declare the greatness or otherwise of any story written by masters of the craft. I'm not even a speck of dust in their world.

Therefore this list should kindly not be mistaken as my approval or disapproval of the timeless works of any author. The truth remains that this list contains only those stories which moved me in a way that no other could, so far. It has nothing to do with criticism or analysis. It's purely a personal choice more because of my own unique life experiences, than any other reason, which I could relate to while reading them.


(The order of listing has nothing to do with my degree of admiration)

• Friends & Strangers by Manoj Das 

• The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde

• Karma by Khushwant Singh

• A Bride For The Sahib by Khushwant Singh

• Before The Law by Franz Kafka

• The Judgment by Franz Kafka

• Life's Horoscope by Khushwant Singh

• After Twenty Years by O Henry

• The Story of Ivan The Fool by Leo Tolstoy

• The Misty Hour by Manoj Das

• The Last Leaf  by O' Henry

• The Concubine by Manoj Das

• The Vengeance by  Manoj Das

• An Astrologer's Day by R.K. Narayan

• The Blind Dog by R.K. Narayan

• Attila by R.K. Narayan

• The Tiger In The Tunnel by Ruskin Bond

• Those Thirty Minutes by Krishan Chander (Translated from Hindi by Jai Ratan)

• A Home Near The Sea by Kamala Das

• The Face On The Wall by E.V. Lucas

• Sparrows by  K.A. Abbas

• The Birth Of  A Poem by Amrita Pritam (Translated from Punjabi by G.S.P. Suri)

• Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy

• The Gift Of The Magi by O. Henry

I hope to add to the list, many more stories, as I keep reading. 

Please feel free to share your favourite short stories. I'd love to read them, if I haven't so far.

Here are a few short stories I 've written. Read them at your leisure and let me know your favourite, if any. (Read my short stories here)