15/09/2022
15 most interesting short stories in the world
In the UK in 1980, a special genre of short story appeared - Drabble.
Stories written in this genre consisted of 100 words and demonstrated the ability of the author to express a complete thought in a short and concise form. At the University of Birmingham, Drabble existed as a form of word game, and only later, in 1987, it took the form of a real literary competition. Later, New Time magazine editor Steve Moss revised the canons of the genre and announced a competition in which participants had to write a story in just 55 words. Other requirements remained unchanged: a clear plot, a well-developed idea of characters and an unusual denouement. Moss received so many responses from the participants of the competition that, according to its results, he even managed to compile an entire collection called "The World's Shortest Stories".
We suggest you familiarize yourself with the most interesting, in our opinion.
1. What the Devil Wants by Brian Newell
“Two boys stood and watched as Satan slowly walked away. The glint of his hypnotic eyes still clouded their heads.
Listen, what did he want from you?
- My soul. And from you?
- A coin for a pay phone. He urgently needed to call.
- Do you want to go eat?
I want to, but now I have no money at all.
- It's OK. I'm full."
2. Surprise Evening, Hillary Clay
“Shiny tights were tight and seductive around her beautiful hips, a wonderful addition to a light evening dress. From the very tips of the diamond earrings to the toes of the delicate stiletto heels, everything was simply chic.Eyes with freshly cast shadows looked at the reflection in the mirror, and lips made up with bright red lipstick stretched with pleasure. Suddenly, a child's voice was heard from behind:
"Dad?!"
3. "Unfortunate" by Dan Andrews
“They say evil has no face. Indeed, his face showed no emotion. There was not a glimmer of sympathy on him, and yet the pain is simply unbearable. Doesn't he see the horror in my eyes and the panic in my face? He calmly, one might say, professionally did his dirty work, and in the end he politely said: "Rinse your mouth, please."
4. Rendezvous, Nicole Weddle
"The phone rang.
“Hello,” she whispered.
Victoria, it's me. Let's meet at the dock at midnight.
- Okay dear.
“And please remember to bring a bottle of champagne with you,” he said.
“I won’t forget, dear. I want to be with you tonight.
"Hurry, I don't have time to wait!" he said and hung up.
She sighed, then smiled.
“I wonder who it is,” she said.
5. Destiny, Jay Rip
“There was only one way out, for our lives were intertwined in a knot of anger and bliss too tangled to solve everything in any other way. Let's trust the lot: heads - and we will get married, tails - and we will part forever. The coin was flipped. She chimed, spun, and stopped. Eagle. We stared at her in bewilderment. Then, with one voice, we said: “Maybe one more time?”
6. Bed Story, Jeffrey Whitmore
“Careful, baby, it's loaded,” he said, returning to the bedroom.
Her back was leaning against the back of the bed.
Is this for your wife?
- Not. It would be risky. I'll hire a killer.- And if the killer is me?
He grinned.
"Who's smart enough to hire a woman to kill a man?"
She licked her lips and aimed a fly at him.
“Your wife.”
7. Seeking Truth, Robert Tompkins
“Finally, in this remote, secluded village, his search was over. Truth sat by the fire in a dilapidated hut. He had never seen an older and uglier woman.
- Are you true?
The old, shriveled hag nodded solemnly.
"Tell me, what should I tell the world?" What message to convey?
The old woman spat into the fire and answered:
“Tell them that I am young and beautiful!”
8. "Window", Jane Orvi
“Ever since Rita was brutally murdered, Carter has been sitting by the window. No TV, reading, correspondence. His life is what is seen through the curtains. He doesn't care who brings the food, pays the bills, he doesn't leave the room. His life is running athletes, the change of seasons, passing
