Best British Short Stories 2023

  ‘‘Words are empty rooms when they enter into common usage. Some arrange comfortable sofas, a bookshelf and warm lighting within themselves. Others, those words and strings of words that are taboo, contain that many furnishings it's impossible to move through them.''   Still Life, Matthew Turner In my opinion, the new instalment of Best British Short Stories edited by Nicholas Royle for 2023 was a rather mixed bag. Most of the stories lacked character and, frankly, the writing itself was disappointing compared to previous volumes. These are my favourite stories in the collection: Islands by Miles Greenwood: The touching chronicle of a daughter who became a mother and her son.  The Nights by Briony Thompson: Haunting and mysterious, it finds the golden balance between Folk Horror and a contemporary, straightforward tone narrating the implications of being a member of a close-knit rural community. Exquisite! Still Life by Matthew Turner: Love, loss and despair in a haunting account that hides more than meets the eye. When We Went Gallivanting by Leone Ross: The almost satirical, yet poignant story of a block of flats that decided to start moving around written with unique spirit by Leone Ross. Bonsoir (after Ithell Colquhoun) by AK Blakemore: One of the most mystical and cryptic stories I've recently read. You need to read this one. Common Ground by Alison Moore: A seemingly innocent, albeit slightly annoying neighbour becomes a true menace for a woman who refuses to put up with his nonsense. The Bull by David Bevan: A moving story of the unique bond between a daughter and her father.