Fiction

Set in an unhappy home which, although upper-class, always faces financial difficulties. This story is about the unexpected and exciting way that the eldest child, just a young boy, takes it on himself to rescue his family. (4,925 words)

In this classic story of Cossack life in the nineteenth century, Chekhov paints a picture of women and men living wild and carefree lives, while the anti-hero of the story looks on with fear and envy, even while he knows he can never be part of the danger they live and love. (4,860 words)

Kipling's tale of two working-class adventurers in nineteenth century British India must rank as one of his greatest works. Even the vast continent of India was hardly big enough for their imaginations and so they set out to become kings. But …. (7,660 words)

A man must make his way with his dog to safety across a frozen Alaskan wasteland but the temperature is dropping fast and he must stay dry and warm. Disaster strikes and the man and the dog must fight to survive. (4660 words)

Thomas Hardy's many short stories are not much read nowadays, which is a shame because they are very good. This one makes fun of some of the most important social conventions of Hardy’s time. (2,445 words)

Pushkin’s ‘The Shot’ is set at a time when a man would fight to the death if he thought he’d been insulted, just as the author did twenty-nine times until he was killed. The story revolves around an expert shot who refuses to take part in a duel to save his honour. Is it cowardice or is there some hidden reason? (4,200 words)

Fitzgerald knew the disorder that drink can cause in life from personal experience and it was a theme he returned to again and again. Here, a recovering alcoholic is fighting for the only thing he really loves as he attempts to get his daughter back from his unsympathetic sister-in-law. (5,040 words)

A family struggling with poverty places its hopes in an uncle who left his home country many years before. Although he had always been the black sheep of the family, he sends news that he is now a successful businessman and will soon return to make the family rich again. But when they see him… (2,000 words)

In this very short story, van Dyke analyses the terrible misery of war. He describes a road from the Belgian city of Antwerp, crowded with people trying to escape the German invasion but, at the same time, there are thousands returning to their broken homes because they are tired of being strangers away from everything they know (420 words).

This story is based on a real case, it's about a young man who falls madly in love with the innocent daughter of a wealthy man who never likes to spend a penny. It soon becomes clear though, that the young is not what he seems to be. (1,680 words)

Maupassant did not often write funny stories. France’s greatest short story writer was more interested in love and tragedy than he was in comedy. But this is an exception. Read it and see what you think! (800 words)

Saki’s very funny short story is about a young boy who is so badly behaved that he cannot go out to the beach with his family. In fact, he didn't want to go because he has something else he wants to do at home. But to do this, he must play a trick on his boring aunt (1,540 words).

In this wonderful story, the great Russian dramatist takes us into the world of the head teacher of a charity school who is very ill. He is successful and dedicated to his students and his school but believes that his enemies are trying to undermine their achievements. He gives a speech at the school's annual dinner where he appears not to know what the future holds for him. (2,230 words)

A top lawyer leaves his job, wife and home after he suddenly loses his memory. He has had a normal life but only really living for his work. Suddenly, all that changes when he wakes up on a train with thousands of dollars in his pocket. (3,280 words)

Dog fighting has been against the law for many, many years in most parts of the world. We prefer to keep our dogs with us by the fire or running in the park. Paterson’s story tells a very different tale though. He describes to us why he thinks it’s as natural for dogs to fight as it is for men to box (900 words).