Anatoly's blog
Saturday, May 17, 2025
"Sinkhole" by Leyna Krow — Review
The ending leaves readers thinking—what would they do if a sinkhole just appeared in their life?
Saturday, May 10, 2025
A Clump of Lilacs by Aleksandr I. Kuprin – Review
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/
Saturday, May 3, 2025
A Wicked Woman by Jack London – Review

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@jacklondon/a-wicked-woman-98devm1mvx21
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Thirsty Island by Banjo Paterson – Review
Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@banjopaterson/thirsty-island-nkeve78pqzmo
Saturday, April 19, 2025
"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
Saturday, April 12, 2025
The Three Day Blow by Ernest Hemingway — Review
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/
Saturday, April 5, 2025
The Bird by Leo Tolstoy - Review
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