Do you ever want to read famous literary work, but find it hard to actually make the time to sit down and open a book? I know I do sometimes. The good news is, there are plenty of famous short stories by renowned authors you’re probably familiar with. Many of them are available online!
I’ve compiled here some of my own favorites, plus a synopsis for each and why I think you’d enjoy them.
Here are some famous short stories that you can read online for free:
1. ‘The Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson
Best known for her horror novel, The Haunting of Hill House, Jackson’s short story is not any less chilling. It starts by describing a village and its annual lottery. We’re introduced to the village families and taken through their rituals. By the time we realize what the Lottery entails, however, it’s already too late for the ‘winner’.
I love the eeriness and that it reminds us how blindly following tradition can be dangerous.
You can read ‘The Lottery’ in the New Yorker, where it was first published back in 1948.
2. ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is the British writer who has created many of our childhood favourites. From Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the recently filmized The BFG. Not surprisingly, he has written his share of famous short stories.
This is about a wife who kills her husband and hides the murder weapon in such an unexpected way that the investigating policemen will probably never, ever, find it.
‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ is a brilliant example of black comedy. I loved it exactly because of the simple language that takes such a dark theme and portrays it with misplaced lightness and humour.
You can read it here.
3. ‘A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Marquez is arguably one of the most successful Latin American writers. If you haven’t read his longer works, this short story might convince you to start doing so.
A winged old man appears in a couple’s backyard and what follows is their response, which in turn exposes the capacity for cruelty that lies in us all. I think it’s an important reminder of what a person can become if they’re suddenly handed power over the weak.
It’s available to read here.
4. ‘The Second Bakery Attack’ by Haruki Murakami
Another eccentric work by Murakami. It’s always hard to describe what his books are about, and this one’s no different. This one centers around a newly married couple who wakes up hungry one night. The husband suddenly tells his wife that he once attacked a bakery, and she convinces him to do a second one.
What follows become a study in the relationship dynamics, past actions and being in control of one’s fate.
See what you think after you read it here.
5. ‘Shooting an Elephant’ by George Orwell
From one of the more important pioneers of modern dystopian novels is this metaphorical story of British imperialism. It’s unknown to what extent ‘Shooting an Elephant’ is autobiographical, considering it was published as an essay.
It describes the English narrator’s experience shooting an elephant, only because he’s coaxed by the Burmese crowd behind him. It’s sad and poignant, especially as we see his genuine anguish at watching the great elephant fall and suffer.
It’s available for free here.
6. ‘The Egg’ by Andy Weir
I’m sure most of you know of The Martian film featuring Matt Damon. Well, the author who wrote the book it was adapted from has a famous short story called ‘The Egg’.
Only 1000 words and comprised almost entirely of dialogue, it’s a rather quick read. Though it will leave you thinking about it still. It’s clever and thought-provoking, scary and comforting at the same time. What I enjoyed most about this story: we make our own meaning out of it.
It’s been translated into over 30 languages by readers. They’re all available in Weir’s own website along with the original English version.
7. ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ by Ambrose Bierce
Unlike others in this list, Bierce is popular for his short stories. He’s a prolific writer and journalist, and I think you shouldn’t miss this one. I read this a few years ago and still remember how haunting and beautiful it was.
Set during the Civil War, it begins when a man is being prepared for execution. The non-linear narrative blurs his memories with the present time, and the mind with reality. I don’t want to say too much as it’s the kind of plot that you need to discover for yourself.
Check the story out on Project Gutenberg.
8. ‘Premium Harmony’ by Stephen King
This is a heart-breaking story by Stephen King, perhaps the most influential horror writer of today. It follows the failing marriage of a couple who can’t stop arguing about trivial things, until a tragedy happens.
It was the ending that really hit me, not necessarily because I didn’t see it coming, but because of how our protagonist handled it. The story is also set in Castle Rock, King’s fictional town that features is many of his works.
It’s published in the New Yorker.
9. ‘Three Questions’ by Leo Tolstoy
We probably know Tolstoy from his long works, including the 1,225-paged War and Peace. Turns out he also writes short stories.
Written in the style of a parable, ‘Three Questions’ is about a king endeavours to find the answers to three questions he thinks are the key to success.
It’s available to read here.
10. ‘The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas’ by Ursula K. Le Guin
Le Guin is highly regarded for her sci-fi and fantasy series, which I have yet to read. But if they’re anything like her short story, then I have only high expectations.
Omelas, a city of perfect utopia, is revealed to thrive only because of the continuous misery of a single child. It proposes that no matter how it appears, happiness simply cannot exist without suffering.
It’s not too long and you can read it here.
I hope you enjoy these famous short stories as much as I do!
If you want something even shorter that will take less than 5 minutes, try my flash fiction A Modern Tale of Kinship!
