Featured Stories

The Water of Life

The Water of Life: Short story by Howard PyleThe major themes of this fairy-tale by Howard Pyle are that money and status don’t necessarily reflect the inner man, and loyalty can sometimes bring great rewards. A princess vows to marry whoever brings her a cup of water from the “Fountain of Life”. A young king sends a servant on the long and dangerous journey to collect some, and falsely claims the prize. The doubtful princess sets him two more tasks, one of which requires cutting off the faithful servant’s hand. Thanks to the Water of Life, things end happily for the servant but not so for the king.

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The Embroidered Towel

The Embroidered Towel: Short story by Mikhail BulgakovIn this story by Mikhail Bulgakov, a Russian doctor fresh out of medical school is assigned to an isolated rural clinic. Inexperienced and intimidated by the staff’s praise of his predecessor, he is terrified at the prospect of failure. As fate would have it, his first emergency is a girl whose legs have been mutilated by agricultural machinery. Despite the operating theatre staff saying she is beyond saving, he remains calm and rises to the occasion. As a thank-you gesture, she embroiders a gift he treasures for years. Themes include isolation, self-doubt/fear of failure, professional awakening, composure under pressure, gratitude.

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The Guest

The Guest: Short story by Albert CamusIn this story by Albert Camus, a policeman orders Daru, a teacher from a remote Algerian school, to escort an alleged murderer to the nearest city. Camus was an early philosopher in the field of Existentialism. The story features several existential themes: the absurd (The situation Daru finds himself in.); the need to choose (Daru can follow the policeman’s order or set the man free; the man can go South to freedom or East to captivity.); and angst (Daru was in a “no win” situation. Whatever decision he makes will have unpleasant, and possibly deadly, consequences.) Other themes: honor, hospitality.

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President Cleveland, Where Are You?

President Cleveland, Where Are You?: Short story by Robert CormierThis coming of age story by Robert Cormier is set in simpler times (the 1930s), where the highlight of the day for many young boys was collecting and swapping trading cards to complete a full set. There is intense rivalry between protagonist Jerry, his friend Roger, and their arch-rival Rollie. Initially it is over Cowboy cards but, when these are replaced by President cards, all the boys in their neighborhood are desperate to find the elusive President Cleveland card. Jerry is the first to find one, but doesn’t have it for long. Themes: family, friendship, choices, sacrifice.

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Four O’clock

Four O'clock: Short story by Price DayThis is the one notable short story from award-winning journalist Price Day. A seemingly ordinary man has been given a series of “special powers” that could benefit mankind. He is too slow in using the first two (the power to ground war planes and prevent road accidents), and is determined not to do the same with the third: the ability to change evil people all over the world in a way that makes them easily identifiable. When he tries to do this, things don’t go according to plan. Themes: moral superiority, tempting fate (be careful what you wish for!), karma.

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Kitchen

Kitchen: Novella by Mahoko (aka Banana) YoshimotoThe major themes of this novella by Mahoko (aka Banana) Yoshimoto are death, grieving, loneliness, friendship/love, and the transience and precious nature of life. The two major characters (Mikage and Yuichi) go through a similar process after being left alone in the world following the death of a loved-one. Fortunately, each finds the strength to rebuild their life thanks to the friendship and support of the other. A common thread in the story is “the kitchen”, the central focus of many Japanese homes symbolizing warmth, security and connection. Other themes: food and cooking, family, gender, mysticism.

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The Greatest Gift

The Greatest Gift: Short story by Philip Van Doren SternThis story by Philip Van Doren Stern was the inspiration for the classic Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life. A depressed man standing on a bridge contemplating suicide confides to a stranger who joins him that he wishes he had never been born. His wish is mysteriously granted and he learns that, without his existence, his loved ones and the whole community would have suffered greatly. As he begs to be returned to his old self, he learns that God’s greatest gift of all is the gift of life. The major theme: every life has meaning and value.

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Why Had I Left Home?

Why Had I Left Home?: Short story by Carlos BulosanThis extract from Carlos Bulosan’s semi-autobiographical novel America Is in the Heart relates how, as a young man, he immigrated to America to start a new life. Upon arrival, he falls victim of a Filipino scammer and earns just $13 for three months’ work in an Alaskan canning factory. Later, he witnesses violence and death in a “Filipino” dance hall, and experiences camaraderie, friendship, and a racist gang attack on an apple farm. He must have asked himself several times: “Why Had I Left Home?” Themes include expectations vs. reality, exploitation, friendship, violence, racism, resilience, perseverance.

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