Bite-Size: Five best short stories of all times

In the rut of daily life, these short stories are like an oasis in a desert. They provide an escape from reality, just in a few pages. Find out more about the best short stories of all times.

Now a day with our hectic lifestyle, we have stopped savouring the simple pleasures of life. Reading is one of them. Nobody has time to delve deep into the pages of their favourite paperback. So, what is the solution? Read short stories. They won’t need the commitment of a novel and yet would take you on the joyride while you are commuting for work or enjoying your coffee break. Here are some of the best short stories for you to enjoy.

  1. The Gift of Magi by O. Henry
The story of a young couple Della and James. Despite their Spartan living condition, they want to gift the most expensive gifts to each other. And ironically, they do so by sacrificing their prized possessions. The simplicity in which O. Henry narrates the story of pristine love is impeccable.
  1. The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
The classic horror tale with a subtle message in it, the Monkey’s Paw is a remarkable short story. This story has been adapted many times by drama series, movies all across the world. With the hint of supernatural W.W. Jacob, successfully delivers the age-old advice that is careful what you wish, for it may come true.
  1. A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A very old man with huge wings one day turns up in the family’s backyard. The family members, neighbours and people of the town try to understand the purpose of old man visit and the importance of his wings. It is a classic tale of magical realism. Gabriel Garcia Marques brilliantly weaves his story seen with lens of symbolism. A true masterpiece which is a must-read.
  1. The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol
It is known as the best short story ever written by many people. The unfortunate tale of Akaky Akakievich, a clerk and his doomed desire to have a new overcoat. Simple it may seem, but it is a short story that has too much in it. And as Dostoevsky famously said, “We all come from under Gogol’s Overcoat”.
  1. Big Two-hearted river by Ernest Hemingway
This critically acclaimed short story is a wonderful story of healing and how nature replenishes and rejuvenates humans. The story is painting more than a story, devoid of any plot, emphasizing the beauty of the landscape.

There are much more treasures of short stories, each one unique and perfect in its way. So, go on and explore.