The Penguin Book of the Contemporary British Short Story

Love that this collection includes voices from all over the British isles.

Philip Hensher’s The Penguin Book of the Contemporary British Short Story is an anthology that ambitiously spans the landscape of British fiction over the past two decades. It aims to capture the evolution of the short story as a form and the diverse voices that have shaped contemporary British literature. This collection serves as a follow-up to Hensher’s previous work, The Penguin Book of the British Short Story, a comprehensive two-volume anthology that showcased British short stories from Daniel Defoe to Zadie Smith. In this new volume, Hensher narrows his focus to the past twenty-one years, highlighting some of the most significant short stories written between 1997 and 2018.The anthology is divided into thematic sections such as Love, Story, Men, Women, War and Politics, and Catastrophic Worlds, which provides a structured yet flexible framework for the reader to navigate through the various narratives. Hensher’s selections are an eclectic mix of well-known authors and emerging voices, offering a rich tapestry of contemporary British life and thought. The stories reflect a wide array of styles, themes, and perspectives, capturing the complexity and diversity of modern Britain.Background and SelectionHensher’s decision to create this anthology was partly motivated by his previous work and the reactions it garnered. His Penguin Book of the British Short Story, published in 2015, was a monumental collection that spanned 300 years and included both famous and lesser-known authors. However, it faced criticism from some who felt that certain notable contemporary writers were unjustly left out. This new anthology seems to address those concerns, as it includes stories from several of the previously omitted writers, such as Helen Simpson, Rose Tremain, and A. L. Kennedy.Hensher's approach to curating this collection is both meticulous and inclusive. He sought to represent the breadth of the contemporary British short story, encompassing a range of voices and styles that reflect the diversity of modern Britain. The anthology includes a mix of established literary figures like Kazuo Ishiguro and Neil Gaiman, as well as emerging writers who are making their mark on the literary scene. This balance between the established and the new provides a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of British short fiction.Highlights of the CollectionOne of the standout stories in the collection is Lucy Caldwell’s “Poison,” a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of teenage infatuation and the delicate boundary between fantasy and reality. Caldwell's story is marked by its sensitive handling of memory and its profound emotional resonance, making it a memorable contribution to the anthology.Thomas Morris’s “All the Boys” is another highlight, offering a raw and insightful look at masculinity and the passage of time. Set during a stag weekend in Dublin, the story delves into the dynamics of friendship and the unspoken pressures that come with societal expectations of manhood. Morris’s narrative is both powerful and relatable, capturing the essence of contemporary masculinity with a deft touch.Irvine Welsh’s “Catholic Guilt (You Know You Love It)” stands out for its candid portrayal of internal conflict. Known for his bold and often unconventional storytelling, Welsh does not disappoint with this tale, which takes the reader into the complexities of the human psyche. The story’s striking impact and uncompromising style make it a notable addition to the collection.Critical ObservationsWhile the anthology offers a diverse and compelling selection of stories, it is not without its limitations. Some readers may find the thematic sections a bit forced, as they can sometimes impose a cohesion that feels somewhat artificial. Additionally, the overall tone of the collection leans towards the melancholic, with many stories exploring themes of disappointment, loss, and unfulfilled potential. This pervasive sense of introspection may not appeal to all readers, particularly those looking for more optimistic or uplifting narratives.One of the more debated inclusions is David Szalay’s “Chapter 2” from All That Man Is. The decision to include an excerpt from a longer work rather than a standalone short story has been met with mixed reactions. While Szalay’s prose is undeniably refined, some may argue that the excerpt does not fully capture the essence of a short story and may feel incomplete out of context.Another noteworthy piece is Martin Amis’s “The Unknown Known,” which is accompanied by a note explaining that it is an unfinished story from a longer unpublished manuscript. This inclusion raises questions about the criteria for selection and the definition of a short story within the context of the anthology.ConclusionThe Penguin Book of the Contemporary British Short Story is a significant contribution to the landscape of British literature, offering a broad view of the short story’s evolution over the past two decades. Philip Hensher has curated a collection that is both reflective and forward-looking, showcasing a range of voices and styles that collectively paint a vivid portrait of contemporary Britain. Despite some thematic and structural criticisms, the anthology is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the depth and diversity of modern British fiction. It captures the essence of the times and provides a platform for both established and emerging writers to shine, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of the short story form.In summary, while the collection may lean towards introspective themes and sometimes the unconventional, it remains a testament to the richness of the British short story tradition and its capacity to capture the complexities of the human experience in concise and impactful ways. For those looking to understand the current state of British literature, Hensher’s anthology offers an essential and enlightening journey through the contemporary short story.

Marvellous book, but would appreciate a more substantial cover. I’ve wiped my bum with something thicker than this.

I love the book and all the stories within. Had to buy it for a seminar at uni and it was eye opening and helped with my analysis skills a lot. Also a great read for cold winter nights.

Las historias no me han gustado en general