When we have become so accustomed to online short form content, the prospect of a novel is something that many may regard with trepidation. A seemingly long-term commitment may lead many to ‘DNF’ a book (or did not start, for that matter). Therefore, it is no wonder that there has been a recent rise in the popularity of short stories.
First emerging in the 19th century, short stories were popularised by literary journals and newspapers: providing an accessible, bite-sized form of literature, and thereby widening access to this particular literary form. The short-story is something which can be consumed in one—eaten in one bite, if you will—and is characterised by its adaptability as a genre.
From comedy to horror, the short story encompasses almost all branches of literature. And while it usually is produced as a stand-alone form, that is not always the case. Take Michiko Aoyama’s recently published book, What you are looking for is in the library; structured in the form of five chapters, each section could stand as its own heartwarming short story, and yet there is value to be found in reading them all together and observing the small details which link each tale. Clearly, this is an adaptable genre that knows no bounds.
Another brilliant example of the short story is Janice Galloway’s ‘The Meat’. At less than 400 words, this story manages to build suspense and discomfort, before a shocking and decidedly disturbing ending. It’s not dragged out, it does not become boring, and it holds the reader’s attention for exactly the right amount of time, so that the ending really packs a sinister punch. And yet, this skilful structuring through the short-story form is far from its only point of merit. The central purpose of the piece is to provide a feminist message on the cruelty of domestic violence. By conveying this in a short story, the message becomes more accessible—it is not necessary to sift through a whole novel, instead it is conveyed in fewer words than a newspaper article. Accessibility means that more readers absorb the message, and that certainly seems like a positive outcome of the genre.
So, with its value in both its entertainment and its ability to convey crucial social messages in a more accessible form, the short story is certainly a small but mighty genre. When you are snowed under with work, and the prospect of a novel seems utterly overwhelming, consider picking up a short story instead—the perfect, bite-sized form of literary entertainment.
Illustration courtesy of Vlada Pavkina @hotdogwaterenjoyer.png