After the Race, James Joyce—this one could have stayed hidden in his practice file and none of us would have been worse off for it—is that sacrilege? It seems a page taken from a larger story, and all the plot and characterisation necessary to create interest is missing.

A Transgression, Anton Chekhov: Comes off as a bit psychotic, though it’s meant to be a moral lesson, and a sharp one at that.

Three Questions, Leo Tolstoy: three questions posed to the hermit/ wise man; this is like a parable and very well done, this was the best. The most important time is NOW. The most important thing you can do is be kind to others. 

The Story of an Hour, by Kate Chopin: atmospheric, a touch of feminist essence, full of characterisation and emotion and coming-of-independence, despite its brevity; and then it tumbles into an unexpected ending…

The Child’s Story, by Charles Dickens: a journey through the ages of the author as one accompanying him along the way; has the spirit of A Christmas Story; full of the stuff of life as it passes by and time slips away, and at last stage the joy circles back around.

The Open Window, by Saki: HILARIOUS. A beautiful spot of trickery. A delightful punchline to this collection.

This taste of narrators was an easy listen; I’ll be looking for other audiobooks by each.