Short stories | Lecturia

Algernon Blackwood: The Transfer

In Algernon Blackwood’s 1911 short story, “The Transfer,” the narrative revolves around a governess endowed with exceptional perceptive abilities who serves in the household of a wealthy family. The woman forms a unique bond with Jamie, one of the children in the household, who is particularly distressed by a visit from his father’s older brother. It appears that Jamie is experiencing a sense of apprehension towards his uncle, a sentiment that is not fully comprehended by the other members of the household, with the exception of the governess. She hypothesises that she is aware of the underlying cause of the child’s apprehension and its potential correlation with an isolated section of the garden, where, intriguingly, the flora exhibits a distinct lack of growth.

Arthur C. Clarke: The Star

“The Star” is a powerful science fiction short story written by Arthur C. Clarke, published in November 1955 in Infinity Science Fiction. The story follows a Jesuit priest and astrophysicist who, on a space mission, discovers the remains of a civilization wiped out by a cosmic catastrophe. This discovery profoundly challenges his faith, leading him to question the beliefs he had always taken for granted. Through this narrative, Clarke explores the tension between science and religion, raising questions about the role of God in the cosmos and human existence. A short but deeply thoughtful story.

Algernon Blackwood: The Empty House

“The Empty House” is a haunting short story by Algernon Blackwood, first published in 1906. The tale delves into the terror emanating from a place that appears harmless yet harbors a dark past. Jim Shorthouse accompanies his aunt Julia—an avid enthusiast of the supernatural—on a nocturnal investigation inside a house rumored to be cursed. Though the dwelling itself seems unremarkable, those who enter it are gripped by an inexplicable dread. As the pair ventures deeper into their exploration, the atmosphere grows increasingly oppressive, and the strange phenomena they encounter not only defy their reason but also threaten to shatter their courage.

Isaac Asimov: A Statue For Father

“A Statue for Father” is a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov published in Satellite Science Fiction in February 1959. Through the voice of the son of a visionary scientist, it tells the fascinating story of an accidental discovery that revolutionized humanity. The father, a stubborn physicist passionate about time travel, works tirelessly on his research, facing ridicule and disinterest from the scientific community. Although the chronotunnels do not work as he had hoped, a stroke of luck brings about something extraordinary: a bridge between the past and the present. This finding, which initially seems like a modest step forward, changes history unexpectedly.

Truman Capote: A Christmas Memory

“A Christmas Memory” is a touching short story by Truman Capote, published in Mademoiselle in December 1956. In a nostalgic autumn in the southern United States, a seven-year-old boy and his quirky and loving cousin prepare to carry out their annual tradition of making fruit pies to give away at Christmas. Bound by a close friendship, they roam the countryside gathering fruit and visiting unique corners of the village to gather the necessary ingredients. For them, Christmas is not just another social event, but an intimate ritual that celebrates tenderness, imagination, and the bonds of the heart.

Ray Bradbury: The Gift

“The Gift” is a short story by Ray Bradbury, first published in Esquire in December 1952. A family sets out on its first space journey on Christmas Eve. The boy is thrilled by the adventure, but his parents worry about how to celebrate the holiday in the emptiness of space—especially after customs has confiscated the present they had prepared. Now the father must find a creative way to keep the magic of Christmas alive for his son, proving that the Christmas spirit can shine anywhere, even among the stars.