One characteristic is a strong and unique voice. The narrator's voice can draw readers in immediately. Another is a well - crafted plot. It doesn't have to be overly complex, but it should be engaging. Also, vivid and memorable characters are important. For example, in some of Raymond Carver's short stories, his simple language and ordinary characters dealing with complex emotions make his works great contemporary short stories.
One of the great short contemporary romance novels is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It's a fun and flirty office romance with great banter between the two main characters.
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.
One of the best contemporary short novels is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a chilling story that shows how blindly following tradition can lead to horror. Another great one is 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor, which delves deep into themes of morality and human nature. Also, 'Cat Person' by Kristen Roupenian is quite popular, exploring modern relationships in a very relatable way.
Well, in the realm of best contemporary short fiction, there's Raymond Carver. His minimalist style has influenced many. His stories are often about ordinary people facing life's hardships in a very real and relatable way. Then there's Zadie Smith. Her short fiction can be very thought - provoking, exploring topics like race, class, and modern society. And of course, there's Lydia Davis. Her short stories are often quite short but pack a punch, delving into the human psyche in interesting ways.
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.