Well, there are quite a few. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a well - known best contemporary short story. It's a feminist classic that delves into the mental state of a woman. 'The Dead' by James Joyce is also among them. Joyce's use of stream - of - consciousness in this story is masterful. And 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway is great. Hemingway's concise and understated writing style makes this story about a couple's unspoken tensions very engaging.
The 'Best Contemporary British Short Stories' typically exhibit strong character development despite their short length. Writers manage to create complex and relatable characters in just a few pages. Another aspect is the exploration of contemporary cultural trends. For example, they might touch on the popularity of certain music genres or the influence of social media. The stories also often have a sense of place, whether it's the bustling city of London or the quiet countryside, which helps to ground the narrative in a distinctly British context.
One of the best is 'Cat Person' by Kristen Roupenian. It vividly captures the modern dating experience in a very relatable way. The characters are complex and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged until the end.
One of the best contemporary fiction short stories is 'Cat Person' by Kristen Roupenian. It vividly explores modern relationships and the power dynamics within them.
Mo Yan is one of the well - known contemporary Chinese short - story writers. His works often blend rich cultural elements with unique storytelling techniques. Another is Yu Hua. His short stories are known for their vivid portrayal of human nature in different historical periods. Also, Su Tong has created many excellent short stories with a strong sense of the times and unique aesthetic styles.
One great contemporary science fiction short story is 'The Paper Menagerie' by Ken Liu. It beautifully blends family relationships with elements of science fiction, exploring themes of cultural identity through the use of magical origami creatures. Another is 'Exhalation' by Ted Chiang. Chiang's story delves into the concept of entropy and the nature of time in a very thought - provoking way. And 'A Martian Odyssey' by Stanley G. Weinbaum is also a classic among contemporary - ish (it was early but very influential) science fiction short stories, introducing readers to strange and wonderful alien species.
Begin with anthologies that collect contemporary Irish short stories. These anthologies often feature a diverse range of authors and styles. By exploring them, you can get a broad overview of the different themes, voices, and literary techniques being used in contemporary Irish short story writing.
You can start by checking out literary magazines like 'The New Yorker', 'Granta', or 'Tin House'. They often publish some of the best contemporary short stories. Also, libraries usually have sections dedicated to short story collections. You can ask the librarian for recommendations. Another way is to look at award - winning short story anthologies. For example, the Pushcart Prize anthologies contain a great selection of contemporary short stories.
Most of the best contemporary Chinese writers' short stories are highly realistic. They describe real - life situations and problems. Take Mo Yan for example, his short stories may depict the hardships of rural life. Their writing styles are also very diverse. Some are very lyrical, while others are more straightforward and gritty. And they often use vivid language to bring the stories to life, making the readers feel as if they are in the described scenes.
Bookstores, especially those that focus on literature, often have a section dedicated to contemporary short stories. Staff at these bookstores can also give you recommendations based on your interests.