Short stories and I have always had a complicated relationship. I approach fiction with the same intensity as my relationships with friends and family—with deep commitment or none at all. Short stories, and even novellas, have often frustrated me; I get interested in a narrative, settle in to dive deep, and then… it’s over. I’m left missing a friend I was just getting to know.

Recently, though, I’ve reconnected with short stories in a new way. Instead of seeing them as the totality of a new place and time, they now feel like gateways. I have permission to explore and learn more, especially when they introduce me to historical characters or events.

Looking into my past

A few years ago, I returned to a collection by one of my most beloved authors: A Universal History of Iniquity by Jorge Luis Borges. Having grown up reading fantasy, I was captivated by Borges’s reimagining of the lives of infamous historical and mythical figures. His stories portray grand themes of crime, betrayal, and deception that once thrilled me. Revisiting these tales now, I can see the seeds of my own reading and writing styles—global folklore, magic, and history.

Take “The Widow Ching, Pirate,” for example. This story introduced me to Ching Shih, a 19th century pirate who terrorized the South China Sea . Borges highlights Ching’s unique position as a widow who inherited her late husband’s pirate fleet. The story portrays a woman more ruthless and disciplined than any of her male contemporaries. Through her intelligence and strict beliefs, she thwarted traditional systems of power, How delicious!

Another favorite from the collection is “The Cruel Redeemer Lazarus Morell.” Loosely based on the real-life John Morrell, the story features the 9th-century criminal infamous for freeing enslaved people only to resell them later. Borges presents Morell as a morally complex figure, blending religious imagery with a life of violence and betrayal. The story is a mythic tale that embodies the darker side of humanity. Sadly, the tale feels all too relatable today.

Going Young Adult

On a lighter note, let’s talk about A Tyranny of Petticoats, edited by Jessica Spotswood. This young adult historical fiction anthology features short stories by prominent YA authors. The stories spotlight fierce, independent young women throughout American history, from the 1700s to the 1960s. In total, the collection spans a variety of genres, including historical fiction, romance, fantasy, and magical realism. It’s nothing short of delightful,

Consider “El Destinos” by Leslye Walton, which weaves magical realism into the historical backdrop of 1960s Texas during the Chicano civil rights movement. The story follows three Mexican American sisters, incarnate as the Fates in the tradition of Mexican folklore. Endowed with supernatural powers tied to their ancestral heritage, the sisters grapple with the ethical implications of controlling life and death. Unlike traditional Fates, their personal lives and moral values influence their decisions. This change creates a rich, folkloric atmosphere where magic symbolizes the guiding influence of cultural heritage and familial duty.

And Today

Currently, I’m reading The History of Sound: Stories by Ben Shattuck, a stunning collection of twelve interconnected short stories that delve into New England history. Spanning three centuries, the narratives explore how historical artifacts and forgotten memories resurface to impact lives across generations. Each story pairs with another, deepening the emotional connections within the collection.

For instance, the title story follows two men, Lionel and David, who meet in a bar and share a transformative summer in 1919, collecting folk songs on wax cylinders as the shadow of WWI looms. Later, in “Origin Stories,” a woman cleaning her Maine home stumbles upon these recordings, reawakening Lionel’s tale. Other stories capture the Northeastern landscape and historical life, such as “Graft,” where a woman in 1893 sees a child she believes is the baby she gave up. Although I’m not yet finished with the collection, I know it’s one I will return to often.

Are you someone who loves short historical fiction? Share your favorites! And check out the latest anthology, Destiny Comes Due, out on November 1, 2024, featuring stories where each protagonist must face their own day of reckoning—a day of critical decisions and necessary actions.