Reproduction of the original: The Necklace of Princess Fiorimonde and Other Stories by Mary de Morgan

Cheese! The smiley face we accept as a universal sign of happiness belies the twists and downturns of not-quite-everyday life. Through these witty, visceral short stories, Deryck Whittaker takes us on a bittersweet journey across the globe, introducing a set of characters at odds with themselves and the times. In locations as disparate as Norway, Mali and Argentina, the jungle of the art world, the good are generally rewarded, while the boorish and greedy receive their comeuppance. Sometimes cautionary, often hilarious, the stories may end (or begin) with murder, indulge in love and lust, or describe in exquisite detail moments of apparent ordinariness. Throughout Cheese and Other Stories Whittaker’s elegant wordplay and acute observations of the human condition are superb.

From distant stars to a Cocoa Beach Hooters, Derwin Mak's short fiction takes readers through tales of mystery, wonder, and horror. Ethnic traditions meld with fantastic visions in these twelve stories about memory fabric, eldritch gods during the Salem witch trials, and of course, Mecha-Jesus, Japan's very own android kami.

August Strindberg's "The German Lieutenant and Other Stories" is a set of intriguing testimonies that explore the intricacies of human nature, cultural standards, and the existential problems of individuals in late 19th-century Sweden. The stories in the anthology feature a broad forged of characters and locales, each exploring issues of affection, betrayal, identity, and the human situation. From the name tale "The German Lieutenant," which follows the tragic romance among a Swedish girl and a German officer stationed in Sweden, to stories of social critique and mental introspection, together with "The Admiral," "The Outlaw," and "The Painter," Strindberg weaves a rich tapestry of narratives that captivate and intrigue readers. Strindberg's descriptive fashion and evocative descriptions allow readers to explore the complexities of human relationships and society traditions, often thinking commonplace norms and expectancies. Whether analyzing the depths of human emotion or the ramifications of societal injustice, every story within the book gives insight into the complexity of the human experience.

Reproduction of the original: The Party and Other Stories by Anton Chekhov