April is almost here, along with warm weather, springtime allergies, and, hopefully, an eagerness to read!
Designated as National Literature Month, April is the perfect time to dive into great works of prose and poetry. But in today’s busy world, it can sometimes be difficult to commit to novels and other long-form content.
Enter the short story! Both concise and vivid, these works are the perfect way for authors to showcase their ability to rapidly capture a reader’s interest. And, unlike the novel, short stories lend themselves to unique, captivating experiments in both style and technique.
With that in mind, here is a list of five short stories to help you celebrate this upcoming National Literature Month!
Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl
“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a darkly ironic tale set in the 1950s that follows housewife Mary Maloney. Mary is deeply devoted to her husband, Detective Patrick Maloney, with whom she is expecting a child. However, when Patrick delivers terrible news after work one fateful evening, Mary makes a rash decision that leads to her husband’s tragic death. With limited time to devise a plan, Mary must rely on her own quick thinking, manipulative tactics, and emotional acting in order to prove her innocence.
This short story will resonate in particular with fans of Pedro Almodovar’s film What Have I Done to Deserve This? Jut like Roald Dahl’s suspenseful tale, the movie examines the demanding effects of family life on married women. In both cases, the pressure, stress, and limited appreciation for women culminate in unexpected fatalities. For feminists and dark humor lovers alike, such works of marital commentary will provide gripping and amusing portrayals of female rage.
“Lamb to the Slaughter” appears in volume one of Roald Dahl’s The Complete Short Stories, a comprehensive collection of his short-form content. Also included in the book are pieces like “Taste,” “The Wish,” and other works similarly grounded in sinister, tension-filled themes. Unlike the majority of Roald Dahl’s novels, which are tailored toward children’s imaginative preferences, his shorter works will appeal to readers intrigued by the darker side of human existence.
Magic Arrow by Chance Dibben
“Magic Arrow” is a piece of flash fiction centered around the tragic life and death of a time traveler. Told in brief yet impactful sentences, the story leads readers through the heartbreaking journey that conclude with her inevitable demise. Although she remains unnamed, the time traveler’s tenacity and hope will prove deeply relatable for every reader who has ever found themselves wanting to escape their reality.
The work’s focus on time travel is reminiscent of director Tony Elliott’s movie ARQ. Each piece provides a different take on the devastating experience of encountering death an endless number of times. Fans of sci-fi and time-loop lovers alike will enjoy this exploration of the ever-evolving relationship between humans and science.
Readers can find “Magic Arrow” on Matchbook, an online literary journal that publishes short prose pieces by various authors. Other works include “She Left Suddenly” by Zelda Knapp and “The Death at Your Door” by Sarah Wheeler Hedborn. Many of the stories are under 1,000 words, leaving authors only a brief window to engage their readers. For those who prefer fast-paceda, diverse, and unique pieces, this collection of short stories is absolutely perfect.
What is Ours by Lisa Wartenberg
“What is Ours” offers a dark interpretation of the fairytale “Little Red Riding Hood” while drawing parallels to a contemporary family’s struggles. The central story revolves around the family’s complicity after one of their own is caught committing a terrible crime. Only the narrator, the offender’s niece, seems to hold him in contempt, and she struggles with the implications of her family’s absolution. Tensions rise as the family gathers for the one-year anniversary of his arrest, wearing the narrator down until she finally breaks her silence.
This short story is perfect for fans of Brom’s The Child Thief, which blends the popular tale of Peter Pan with other folklore and legends. Similar to “What is Ours,” the novel grapples with heavy themes like loss of innocence and harmful relationships with religion. In both pieces, the differences between good and evil remain far more undefined than the original tales imagined them to be. For fans of dark, complex characters, these works will provide an insightful new perspective on well-known stories.
“What is Ours” appeared n The PEN America Dau Prize’s Best Debut Short Stories 2023. Other works included “Acts of Creation” by Jo Saleska and “Taidu” by Patrick J. Zhou. Together, the pieces comprise a unique anthology covering topics that range from human relationships to the beauty of the natural world. The diverse collection serves to encapsulate the literary prowess of several up-and-coming authors.
The Head by Bora Chung
“The Head” is a surreal exploration of generational conflict told through the perspective of a woman haunted by her own bodily waste. Throughout much of the narrator’s life, a grotesque creature inhabits her toilet, seeking both her attention and her resources. Repulsed by its appearance and persistence, the woman attempts to expel the head while simultaneously balancing her normal life. Yet, as the woman ages, the creature’s self-sufficiency—and resentment—only grow.
The short story will appeal in particular to fans of Jade Song’s Chlorine, an unsettling coming-of-age novel about a dedicated swimmer who longs to become a mermaid. Like “The Head,” this story challenges impossible expectations for the female body while probing the graphic effects of seeking perfection. Fans of horror and mysticism alike can immerse themselves in experiences both disturbing and impactful.
“The Head” appears in Bora Chung’s Cursed Bunny, a cross-genre collection of her short-form content. Other works include “The Embodiment” and “Scars,” which are similarly grounded in dark and absurd themes. Together, the works form a poignant critique of contemporary society with particular emphasis on patriarchy and capitalism.
Happy Endings by Margaret Atwood
“Happy Endings” is a piece of metafiction that presents six different variations of the two main characters’ lives. Together, John and Mary experience love, infidelity, tragedy, marital contentment, and everything in between. Yet no matter what path their lives take, every variation ends the same way: with John and Mary’s deaths.
This short story’s rejection of the traditional narrative arc is reminiscent of Julio Cortázar’s Hopscotch. Akin to “Happy Endings,” the novel is meant to be read in multiple ways, each of which presents a different chain of events. Thus, the two works serve to challenge standard linearity.
“Happy Endings” appears in Margaret Atwood’s Murder in the Dark, a collection of prose poems and short fiction pieces. Also included are works such as “Simmering” and “Making Poison,” which supply unique perspectives on themes like gender dynamics and the limits of innocence. Readers seeking dark, witty takes on ordinary life will love the collection.
Happy spring and happy reading!
Short stories allow us to engage with talented, insightful authors without the commitment required by longer works.
Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to dive into some short-form content this April! And if you’re craving even more spring reads, here are several books that are perfect for enjoying the cozy side of the season.
So curl up with a good book, breathe in that springtime air, and get ready to read!
