Love, Anyway by Sung J. Woo — Review

“Love, Anyway” by Sung J. Woo is a simple story about Tony Cho, a man stuck in a dull marriage, questioning if he ever truly loved his wife, Stella. Their relationship began out of fear—fear of being alone—and now, years later, Tony feels nothing but emptiness. When he meets Debbie, a younger coworker, he starts dreaming of a new life, filled with excitement and passion. But as he gets closer to Debbie, he realizes she may not be what she seems, and his guilt over leaving Stella and their son grows. 

The writing is clear and relatable, making it easy to understand Tony’s struggles. The story shows how people often chase fantasies, only to find that reality is much messier. Tony’s journey makes us question what love really means—is it comfort, passion, or just staying because it’s easier? The ending leaves us thinking about the sacrifices we make and whether happiness is ever as simple as we hope. A touching and thought-provoking read.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@sungjwoo/love-anyway-1knv7e1ddl63

The Yarkand Manner by Saki — Review

“The Yarkand Manner” is a funny and clever short story by Saki. It tells the tale of a man who tries to impress others with his made-up travels to a faraway place called Yarkand. The story is full of witty humor and shows how people sometimes pretend to be more interesting than they really are. 

The ending is unexpected and adds to the fun.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@saki/the-yarkand-manner-nkeve7qxkzmo

First Interview With Artemus Ward by Mark Twain — Review

"First Interview With Artemus Ward" is an early example of Mark Twain’s works.This story is about Mark Twain meeting Artemus Ward, a humorous man, for the first time. Twain is tricked into drinking a strong whisky cocktail, which makes him feel dizzy. Ward then confuses him with a long, nonsense speech about silver mining, using big words and complicated sentences that mean nothing. Twain thinks the drink has made him stupid, but later realizes Ward was just playing a joke on him.

The story is funny because Twain falls for the trick and blames himself, not realizing Ward is teasing him. It shows how clever and playful Ward is, making Twain feel foolish with his fake serious talk. The ending is lighthearted, proving Ward is a great storyteller who enjoys a good laugh. It’s a simple but entertaining tale about friendship and humor. 

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/mark-twain/short-story/first-interview-with-artemus-ward/

Lefty by Nikolai Leskov — Review

Nikolai Leskov’s Lefty (also known as The Tale of Cross-Eyed Lefty from Tula and the Steel Flea) is a satirical story that celebrates Russian ingenuity while critiquing the bureaucratic indifference of the state.

The plot follows a skilled Tula gunsmith, Lefty, who, along with his fellow craftsmen, takes on the challenge of outdoing British engineering by microscopically shoeing a mechanical flea gifted to Tsar Nicholas I. Their success becomes a symbol of Russian talent, yet the story takes a tragic turn when Lefty—despite his loyalty—returns from England.

Lefty endures as a classic not just for its wit and colorful language, but for its timeless warning about the cost of disregarding talent.

Here is the link to the text of the story:

https://library.land/nikolai-leskov/page,45,391851-the_enchanted_wanderer_and_other_stories.html

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"Sinkhole" by Leyna Krow — Review

"Sinkhole" is a strange story about a mysterious hole that suddenly appears in a neighborhood. At first, people are shocked, but soon they start treating it like a normal thing—some even turn it into a tourist spot. The story feels both funny and sad, showing how people ignore problems or pretend they’re not there. The sinkhole could be a metaphor for bigger issues, like society’s habit of avoiding uncomfortable truths.

The ending leaves readers thinking—what would they do if a sinkhole just appeared in their life? 

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@lmkrow/sinkhole-6d5vgq7xlrm 

A Clump of Lilacs by Aleksandr I. Kuprin – Review

A Clump of Lilacs is a touching and beautifully crafted short story that captures the resilience of love and the power of quick thinking in the face of adversity. Kuprin masterfully portrays the dynamic between Nikolai Almazof, a struggling young officer, and his devoted wife, Vera, whose unwavering support becomes his anchor.

The story’s tension arises from a seemingly small mistake—a blot on Nikolai’s military map—that threatens to derail his career. He drew a bushes to hide this issue. Vera’s ingenious solution—planting real bushes to cover the error—transforms despair into triumph, showcasing her resourcefulness and deep love for her husband. Kuprin’s vivid descriptions and emotional depth make the characters feel real, turning a simple anecdote into a poignant celebration of partnership and perseverance. 

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/aleksandr-i-kuprin/short-story/a-clump-of-lilacs/

A Wicked Woman by Jack London – Review

The story "A Wicked Woman" by Jack London is about a young woman named Loretta who is confused about love and marriage. She visits her sister Daisy to escape Billy, a man who wants to marry her. Loretta doesn’t love Billy but feels guilty because she let him kiss her. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Hemingway, Loretta’s host, tries to set her up with Ned Bashford, a thoughtful but tired man. Ned falls for Loretta’s innocence, but when he learns about her past with Billy, he first insists she marry Billy before realizing he loves her himself.


Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@jacklondon/a-wicked-woman-98devm1mvx21