Flash Fiction International: Very Short Stories from Around the World

This collection is billed as "A dazzling new anthology of the very best very short fiction from around the world." It is exactly that. With a sweeping range of short-short stories from around the globe, it includes largely flash fiction writers who are at the very top of their craft. I completely enjoyed the remarkable expanse of topics, from sweet love stories to the surreal to very gritty political fiction -- each story proving yet again that the shortest stories can unveil the largest truths, the biggest emotions, and, for the reader, the most powerful wallop. (I tried to choose my top 5 stories but couldn't, they are all that good.) In addition, the anthology includes bonuses such as entertaining and varied flash fiction theory and sources, and expansive author bios. The book is really an absolute essential read for any writer, editor, reader, student, or critic of flash fiction, and part of its power is that it may surprise readers with the inclusion of flash fiction by W. Somerset Maugham, Czeslaw Milosz, and James Tate, for example, revered and well-known writers whose work further emphasizes that flash fiction is not a niche or a trend but an important (and old!) art form. (Petronius!) The stories collected here are not just brilliant flash fiction, but brilliant pieces of literature. Period.

Minor problem with the Table of Contents in the kindle edition - WHICH HAS BEEN FIXED per the post below by Robert Shapard. ..... On the other hand, what I've read so far -- about 30% in is great stuff with some excellent stories and only one issue (probably a translation issue) in one story. The international selections seem mostly very dark. Better, fuller review when I finish (see below, my rating upgraded from 4 to 5 stars after reading and rereading this wonderful collection!.

Great collection of short stories. I really enjoyed them. Small easy to digest and often hard hitting or thought provoking stories from around the world. Very enjoyable book.

Flash Fiction International: Very Short Stories from Around the World has been my go-to flash source since it came out earlier this year. I like it for its variety of authors, from well-known authors (Stuart Dybek, Sherman Alexie) to lesser-known authors, from historical authors (Kafka, Kawabata) to living authors—and then the international textures of the collection are especially striking. How intriguing it is to literally travel around the globe via these gem-like stories.The thing I like most about an anthology like this is its invitation to read it differently. It’s an intrinsic part of the flash form, really. Since so many of the stories are akin to poems in their length, I found myself picking up the book and turning to a random page to read—a dashing flash style of reading that allowed for a more exploratory and less linear approach.After reading so many shorts and pondering the form’s geographical significance and historical origins, it was nice to be treated to the “Flash Theory” section at the end—a compilation of quotes from flash authors. It was the perfect way to ruminate on all of the stories, to keep the conversation going.I especially liked Joyce Carol Oates’ words: “Very short fictions are nearly always experimental, exquisitely calibrated, reminiscent of Frost’s definition of a poem—a structure of words that consumes itself as it unfolds, like ice melting on a stove …” That’s what I shoot for when I write a miniature.

Interesting collection of VERY short stories gathered from around the world. Not a book to read cover to cover, but great for a few minutes here and there...waiting for children, standing in a check out line, reading a few pages before bed. I'd never read flash fiction before and it is different even than short stories. Some similar themes sprinkled throughout, but even if you don't understand a story, it's only a few pages long and the next one is fascinating.Some stories touched me, but some had me confused or even annoyed. But I was surprised that such a short story could affect me.

Lots of short stories had to get it for a class and was impressed

So my Creative Writing professor assigned this book for the class to read, so that we can begin to understand the art of short story writing. After reading the whole thing, I have mixed feelings about this style of short fiction. This is a book of a collection of very short stories from around the world, written by writers who are supposedly at the top of their craft.The strongest aspect of this collection is the diversity in writing styles and character settings. While this artistic and assumed literary value of these stories could be considered high, the enjoyment factor is very low. There is a massive lack of imagination in these stories. Every story in the book covers realistic characters in realistic settings. Out of some 90 stories, they all fit this subject material. While I'm not asking for magic of sci-fi, I would like SOME level of creativity thrown into the plot, besides boring, everyday types of stories.I would recommend this collection for people who are starting out writing fiction, because there is a lot to see here in terms of writing styles and story structure. If you want to take inspiration to write GOOD or ENTERTAINING fiction, look elsewhere

I bought the paperback version of Flash Fiction International a few months ago and read the book in one setting. Now I am reading it again to savor the stories and reading only one at a time. Personally, I think short fiction requires more careful reading and attention than novels. The entire story, character development, and setting has to happen in 500 to 2000 words. As a writer and avid reader, I can assure you, this is a big achievement. This book contains 86 stories by writers from all over the world for those of us with short attention spans, but who want full stories in micro. Less can indeed be more. It can sometimes even be better.

Nice to get such a variety of very short stories from such a variety of sources, but the quality also varies - some very good, some not so good, many middling. For the reader who wants to see the general picture and is willing to accept that like with any general overview there will be ups and downs along the road.

This is the first major international anthology devoted to flash fiction – and it is very impressive. Rich, eclectic, and of the highest calibre, it reveals the flourishing of the short-short form around the globe. Every flash is a highlight.Ashley Chantler and Peter Blair, editors, Flash: The International Short-Short Story Magazine.

Very poor. I didn't feel anything with regards to reading these stories. I wouldn't describe any of them as enjoyable or even to have a point. Not what I believe flash fiction should be all about. Very disappointed. Off to scout out some horror flash...

I am very pleased with this book and purchased this copy as a birthday gift for a friend. I will be pleased to recommend this company. Thank you.

Great stories. Imaginative writers,