Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. They can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere.

In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens’ across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author?

The theme itself will form the boundaries for our stories which range from well-known classics, newly told, to stories that modern times have overlooked but perfectly exemplify the theme. Throughout the volume our authors whether of instant recognition or new to you are all leviathans of literature.

Some you may disagree with but they will get you thinking; about our choices and about those you would have made. If this volume takes you on a path to discover more of these miniature masterpieces then we have all gained something.

It is difficult to propose a more gifted exponent of the short story than Kate Chopin. Her individual jewels may be brief but are laden with atmosphere and character as they run their enchanted course. Her genius will always endure.

1 - The Top 10 - Kate Chopin - An Introduction

2 - The Storm by Kate Chopin

3 - Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin

4 - A Pair of Silk Stockings by Kate Chopin

5 - A Respectable Woman by Kate Chopin

6 - An Egyptian Cigarette by Kate Chopin

7 - The Kiss by Kate Chopin

8 - The Locket by Kate Chopin

9 - The Lillies by Kate Chopin

10 - The Story of An Hour by Kate Chopin

11 - Ma'ame Pelagie by Kate Chopin