The Best Short Stories 2023

This year's anthology of contemporary short fiction delivers a powerful showcase of literary talent, featuring twenty prize-winning stories from acclaimed authors like Jamil Jan Kochai, Ling Ma, and Cristina Rivera Garza. The collection lives up to its prestigious reputation, offering readers a curated tour through the most compelling voices and urgent themes shaping current literature. Each story stands as a complete, immersive world, demonstrating the remarkable power of the short form to capture complex human experiences with precision and emotional depth.

What makes this volume particularly compelling is its range—from Lisa Taddeo's sharp observations of modern relationships to Kirstin Valdez Quade's nuanced cultural explorations. These aren't just well-crafted stories; they're conversations with the present moment, tackling everything from personal identity to societal pressures with fresh perspectives. For readers seeking to discover new favorite writers or simply experience the best of what short fiction can achieve, this collection provides an essential and deeply satisfying reading experience that will linger long after the final page.