Nevsky Prospekt by Nikolai Gogol — Review

"Nevsky Prospekt" is a short story by Nikolai Gogol that shows the busy life of St. Petersburg’s famous street. The story follows two men—Piskarev, a shy artist, and Pirogov, a confident officer—who chase after women they see on Nevsky Prospekt. Piskarev falls in love with a beautiful woman who turns out to be a prostitute, and his dreams are crushed. 

Pirogov, on the other hand, flirts with a married woman and gets beaten by her husband but quickly forgets the incident. The story contrasts their different fates, showing how life can be both tragic and absurd.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://www.prosperosisle.org/spip.php?article1112

Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F. Scott Fitzgerald — Review

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Bernice Bobs Her Hair (1920) is a sharp, witty exploration of social competition and the performative nature of femininity in 1920s America. The story follows Bernice, a socially awkward young woman, as her glamorous cousin Marjorie teaches her the art of popularity. It changes when Bernice’s newfound charm threatens Marjorie’s own status. 

The haircut, a symbol of both liberation and humiliation is the story’s central tension. A precursor to Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, this early work already showcases his keen eye for the contradictions of the American Dream, where self-reinvention can lead to both triumph and ruin.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://vk.com/doc2004519_685298557?hash=csTlxyTSKJ9ZB86vqcxCmVn4O2bWQzyZ8ZehHJR7OEk&dl=EWvs07mVnOF73gLuwRV4UkKKbqWSSNCLsVKdYaLpZwc&api=1&no_preview=1&module=feed

An Unpleasantness by Anton Chekhov— Review

This story An Unpleasantness by Anton Chekhov is about a doctor named Grigory Ovchinnikov who loses his temper and slaps his drunk paramedic, Mikhail Zakharovich, during hospital rounds. The doctor is a nervous, principled man who cares deeply about his work, but the paramedic’s incompetence and drunkenness push him to his limit.

After the incident, the doctor struggles with guilt and tries to find a fair solution—whether to resign, apologize, or face legal consequences. However, the situation is resolved in an unsatisfying way when the local authorities force a hollow reconciliation.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://www.prosperosisle.org/spip.php?article121

"The Hostelry of Mr. Smith" from “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town” by Stephen Leacock

This story introduces us to Mariposa, a small Canadian town full of colorful characters and quirky charm. At the center is Mr. Smith, the owner of the local hotel, who faces trouble when his liquor license is threatened. 

Instead of giving up, he cleverly builds a fancy café to win over the town—complete with a French chef and absurdly cheap prices. Through humor and wit, the story pokes fun at small-town politics, pride, and the way people can be swayed by good food and grand gestures.

In the end, the story celebrates Mariposa’s quirks while gently mocking human nature—how easily people change their minds when it suits them.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/stephen-leacock/book/sunshine-sketches-of-a-little-town/one-the-hostelry-of-mr-smith

Mix War, Art, and Dancing" by Ernest Hemingway — Review

Hemingway’s short sketch *"Mix War, Art, and Dancing"* contrasts the vibrancy of youth and art with the somber backdrop of war. The lively dance at the Fine Arts Institute, filled with soldiers on leave and spirited students, creates a fleeting sense of normalcy and joy amid the uncertainty of wartime. 

Hemingway’s sharp, economical prose captures the energy of the scene—jazz music, eager dancers, and animated conversations about art—while the recurring image of the lone woman outside, walking through the sleet, serves as a haunting counterpoint. This juxtaposition subtly underscores the transience of happiness in a world overshadowed by conflict.

The ending, where the woman gazes up at the darkened windows after the revelry has ended, leaves a lingering melancholy, suggesting the inevitable return to reality.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/ernest-hemingway/essay/mix-war-art-and-dancing

“Phase in Space” by Paul O'Neill —Review

The story “Phase in Space” by Paul O'NeillThis is a sci-fi story full of mystery. An astronaut is alone on a space station when strange things start happening. The station shakes in impossible ways, and his body begins to fade. Then he meets his double, who says they are stuck between two realities. The story keeps readers guessing—is he going crazy, or is space itself breaking apart? 

The tension builds until the end, where the question arises what is real. The idea of parallel realities mixing together is creative and scary

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@pauloneill/phase-in-space-3jglpw1xzdxw

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

Thirsty Island by Banjo Paterson – Review

Thirsty Island is a sketch about Thursday Island, a remote Australian outpost known for its wild drinking culture. Paterson paints a vivid picture of the island’s rowdy pearl divers, sailors, and locals, who greet arriving ships with relentless hospitality—mostly in the form of heavy drinking. The story follows a naive newcomer who expects a quiet introduction to Australia but instead gets swept into a chaotic, alcohol-fueled night that leaves him stunned. The island’s eccentric characters, from boozy captains to knife-fighting sailors, make the place feel both dangerous and strangely charming.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@banjopaterson/thirsty-island-nkeve78pqzmo

"Self-Made Men" by Stephen Leacock — Review

The story "Self-Made Men" by Stephen Leacock is a humorous take on two wealthy businessmen who try to outdo each other by exaggerating their past struggles. At first, they boast about their difficult early days—sleeping in a tar barrel or a piano box and eating scraps. Their competition becomes funnier as they keep adding wild details, like playing games in a tiny space or eating hog’s food. The irony is clear: these men, now rich and comfortable, pretend to miss their "humble" past while ordering fancy food.

Leacock’s satire mocks people who romanticize poverty after achieving success. The characters’ ridiculous arguments and sudden shift to luxurious orders highlight their hypocrisy. The story is using humor to show how people often exaggerate their hardships to seem tougher or more self-made than they really are. It’s a clever and entertaining read that makes readers laugh while making a sharp point about human nature.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@stephen.leacock/self-made-men-8devmqj03lx2

The Three Day Blow by Ernest Hemingway — Review

"The Three-Day Blow" is a simple story about two friends, Nick and Bill, spending time together on a windy autumn day. They drink whisky, talk about books and baseball, and enjoy the cozy warmth of a fire. At first, their conversation is light and fun, but then Bill brings up Nick’s past relationship with Marjorie. Nick feels sad thinking about her, but as they keep talking and drinking, he starts to feel better, realizing that some things end for a reason.

The story captures the mood of a stormy day and the comfort of friendship. Hemingway’s writing is making the emotions feel real. The wind and changing weather mirror Nick’s feelings—sometimes heavy, sometimes calm. By the end, Nick accepts that life moves on, and he finds hope in new possibilities. It’s a story about letting go and moving forward.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/ernest-hemingway/short-story/the-three-day-blow/

The Bird by Leo Tolstoy - Review

"The Bird" is a simple yet powerful story about a boy named Serozha who gets a bird trap as a birthday gift. Excited, he catches a bird but soon forgets to care for it properly. His mother warns him to let the bird go, but when he finally tries to fix his mistake, it’s too late—the bird dies from neglect. Serozha feels deep regret and learns a hard lesson about kindness and responsibility.

Tolstoy’s story teaches an important moral in a way children can understand. It shows how thoughtless actions can harm innocent creatures and how guilt can change a person. The ending is sad but meaningful, as Serozha decides never to trap birds again. The story reminds us to treat all living things with care and compassion.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@leotolstoy/the-bird-473l2qq4lm2j

Yallery Brown by Joseph Jacobs - Review

"Yallery Brown" by Joseph Jacobs is a spooky folk tale about a young man named Tom who helps a strange, tiny creature called Yallery Brown. In return, Yallery Brown offers to help Tom, but warns him never to thank him. Tom agrees, and soon Yallery Brown makes Tom rich by doing all his work. But Tom’s life becomes lonely and sad because the creature’s magic scares everyone away. When Tom accidentally thanks Yallery Brown, the creature gets angry and curses Tom, leaving him worse off than before.

The story teaches a lesson about being careful with what you wish for. Yallery Brown’s help seems good at first, but it comes with a price. The tale is full of mystery and magic, showing how some things in life can’t be controlled, no matter how hard we try. It’s a simple story that reminds us to think twice before accepting help from unknown forces..

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@josephjacobs/yallery-brown-6d5vg890lrm1

The Maid Of Thilouse by Honore de Balzac - Review

"The Maid of Thilouse" by Honore de Balzac is a humorous and somewhat satirical story about an old lord who tries to buy the innocence of a young, beautiful girl. The lord, who is wealthy but unattractive, offers the girl's poor mother money, food, and shelter in exchange for her daughter's service. The mother agrees due to their desperate situation. However, girl proves to be clever and strong-willed, resisting the lord's advances until he promises marriage. Even then, she outsmarts him, keeping a comfortable life for herself while the lord ends up looking foolish.

The story is both funny and thought-provoking. It highlights the resilience and wit of the underprivileged. Girls's character is particularly interesting because she uses her innocence and cleverness to gain control over her situation. Overall, it’s an entertaining reading with a subtle moral about the value of virtue and the consequences of trying to exploit others.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@honorebalzac/the-maid-of-thilouse-1knv78opl63e