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