In Gautam Benegal's collection of short stories, the characters come alive with a familiarity that almost mirrors our own encounters with neighbors, uncles, and nieces. Set against the backdrop of Calcutta in the late 1980s and the early '90s, these narratives capture a spectrum of human experiences. From a guest grappling with epic gastric trouble to a besieged political campaigner, a cruel critic, a secret murderer, and more, Benegal weaves tales that resonate with both nostalgia and darkness. The stories are not mere reflections of a bygone era but carry a timeless quality, each character embodying universal traits that transcend the specific time and place.

Calling all Agatha Christie fans! Immerse yourself in the brilliance of Hercule Poirot with "Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories." This comprehensive collection brings together every short story featuring the world-famous Belgian detective. Prepare to be captivated by a multitude of mysteries, ranging from cunning thefts and daring kidnappings to perplexing murders.

"Paper Towns" by John Green is a coming-of-age novel that intricately weaves together themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. Green's storytelling prowess shines as he takes readers on a journey with the protagonist, Quentin Jacobsen, as he embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding his enigmatic neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman. The narrative is rich with Green's trademark wit and insightful observations about adolescence, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of identity and the illusions we create about others. As Quentin follows the trail of clues left by Margo, the novel delves into the significance of understanding others and, more importantly, understanding oneself.

"Best Short Stories: 51 Best Short Stories - A Magnificent Selection of Short Stories from the Finest Writers in the World" is a curated anthology that promises a literary journey through the diverse landscapes of short fiction. Compiled from the works of some of the world's finest writers, this collection captures the essence of storytelling brilliance across cultures and time periods. Short stories are a unique literary form that demands conciseness and impact, and this anthology aims to showcase the artistry and narrative depth found in the works of renowned authors. Whether it's the timeless tales of classic writers or the contemporary voices shaping the literary landscape, this collection offers readers a mosaic of emotions, themes, and styles that make short stories a captivating and enduring genre.

"While the Light Lasts" is a captivating collection of short stories by Agatha Christie, featuring a blend of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected plot twists. The anthology comprises a selection of lesser-known mysteries that exhibit Christie's ability to create compelling narratives within shorter formats. Each story within the collection presents a unique scenario, often exploring themes of deception, revenge, and the complexities of human behavior. From cleverly devised schemes to unexpected turns of events, Agatha Christie crafts intriguing mysteries that showcase her storytelling expertise, keeping readers engrossed with each tale's carefully woven suspense and surprising conclusions. Though the stories may vary in settings and characters, Christie's signature style remains evident in the meticulous construction of plots and the artful placement of clues that keep readers guessing until the final revelation.

অজস্র স্বপ্ন, সুখ-দুঃখ, হাসি-কান্না আর আপনজনকে হৃদয়ের সুতােয় বেঁধে এগিয়ে যাওয়া মানুষগুলাের গল্প । বড়াে আপা, মেজো বুৰ্ব, ছােটো ফুপু, ফারুক ভাই, মিন্টু, ছােটো চাচি, মেজো চাচা, ছােটো কাকা, নিলু আরও কত কত চরিত্র আমাদের মধ্যবিত্ত মানুষের সুখ-দুঃখের সহযােগী। মান-অভিমান, টানাপড়েন, আস্থা, বিশ্বাস-অবিশ্বাস, অবহেলা আর দ্বিধাহীন ভালােবাসার সমদ্র মধ্যবিত্ত জীবন। প্রতিনিয়ত স্বপ্ন পুষে এগিয়ে যাওয়া মধ্যবিত্ত মানুষগুলাে যেমন ঢেড়সভাজি খেয়েও তৃপ্তির ঢেকুর তােলে, তেমনি অজস্র স্বপ্নভঙ্গের কষ্ট হতাশা আর ক্ষোভও যেন মুড়িয়ে রাখে । অনেকখানি। তারপরও দিনশেষে মধ্যবিত্ত পরিবারের মানুষ সমুদ্রসম স্বপ্ন আর ভালােবাসা নিয়ে নতুন একটা দিনের প্রহর গােনে। কেন জানি এই প্রহর গােনার মাঝে কী এক তৃপ্তি, ভালােবাসা আর ভালােলাগার মায়া জড়িয়ে থাকে। এই মায়া, মধ্যবিত্তের মায়া। মধ্যবিত্ত গল্পগ্রন্থে পনেরােটি গল্পে ছােটো ছােটো করে সাজানাে এমন অনেক মায়া, ভালােবাসা, ক্ষোভ, হতাশা আর স্বপ্নের স্বাদ প্রতিটি গল্পপাঠেই পাওয়া সম্ভব হবে বলে বিশ্বাস করি।

"সবারই গল্প আছে" বইটি সব মানুষের নিজস্ব গল্পের সমাহার। এটি একটি সামাজিক বিভিন্নতা এবং মানবতার পরিবর্তনশীলতা নিয়ে একটি চিত্রবিহীন প্রকাশ। বইটিতে আলোচিত বিষয়গুলির মধ্যে রয়েছে প্রেম, পরিবার, বন্ধুত্ব, সহিংসতা, রোমান্টিসিজম, সমাজ এবং ব্যক্তিগত বৃদ্ধির কাহিনীগুলি। এই গল্পগুলি পাঠকদেরকে নিজেরা বোঝার এবং পরিমিতির বাইরে পরিবর্তনের বাধ্যবাধকতা সম্পর্কে চিন্তা করতে উৎসাহিত করে।

"বিশ্ব সাহিত্যের কয়েকটি সেরা গল্প" হলো একটি সংকলন, যা বিভিন্ন ভাষার লেখকের উত্কৃষ্ট কাহিনীগুলির সংকলন করে। এই বইতে অনেক দেশের লেখকের অসাধারণ গল্পের প্রস্তুতি রয়েছে, যা বিভিন্ন বিষয়ে বিভিন্ন প্রতিষ্ঠানের মাধ্যমে প্রকাশিত হয়েছে। এই বইটি পড়ার মাধ্যমে পাঠকদের বিভিন্ন সাহিত্যিক পরিচয় হয় এবং বিভিন্ন সংস্কৃতি এবং ভাষার ভিন্নতা অনুভব করা যায়।

"Five Children and It" by Edith Nesbit is a classic children's novel that weaves together elements of fantasy and adventure. First published in 1902, the story follows the experiences of five siblings – Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their baby brother, known as the Lamb – who stumble upon a magical creature called the Psammead while on holiday in the English countryside. The Psammead has the power to grant wishes, but its interpretations often lead to unexpected and humorous consequences for the children. As they navigate the ups and downs of their magical encounters, the siblings learn valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the unintended consequences of their desires.

ছোটগল্প প্রকাশের ক্ষেত্রে ‘দেশ’-এর পৃষ্ঠপোষকতা ও ভূমিকা বলতে গেলে প্রায় প্রবাদপ্রতিম। বাংলা সাহিত্যের স্মরণীয়-বরণীয়, অগ্রজ-অনুজ, খ্যাত-স্বল্পখ্যাত-অখ্যাত সব গল্পলেখকই এই পত্রিকায় তাঁর শ্রেষ্ঠ গল্পটি প্রকাশের জন্য দিয়েছেন। বিষয়, আঙ্গিক বা প্রকরণের দিক থেকে পরীক্ষা-নিরীক্ষা নির্ভর কত ধরনের গল্প এই পত্রিকায় প্রকাশিত হয়েছে, সে সম্পর্কে সুনির্দিষ্ট কোনও সিদ্ধান্তে আসা সহজ নয়। আবর্তন-বিবর্তনের এই আয়োজন এতদূর বিস্তৃত যে, প্রকাশিত গল্পগুলির সামনে এসে দাঁড়ালে দিশাহারা লাগে। এই বিপুল বৈভব ‘দেশ' পত্রিকার জীবনে শ্লাঘার বিষয় ।

"Imagines" is a unique collection of short stories that brings together a diverse array of authors, each contributing fictional narratives centered around real celebrities. The anthology provides readers with a fascinating exploration of fantasy scenarios involving famous figures from the worlds of music, film, sports, and more. With contributions from various talented writers, "Imagines" allows readers to delve into imaginative and often humorous scenarios, offering an entertaining escape into the realm of celebrity daydreams.

"Firefly Lane" by Kristin Hannah is a poignant novel that spans over three decades, chronicling the deep and enduring friendship between Kate Mularkey and Tully Hart. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of societal changes, from the tumultuous 1970s to the turn of the 21st century, and explores the highs and lows of their interconnected lives. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence, careers, and relationships, the two friends remain constants in each other's lives, providing support, laughter, and solace. Hannah's storytelling is emotionally resonant, delving into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of female friendship.

"Birthday Stories: Selected and Introduced by Haruki Murakami" is a captivating anthology that brings together a diverse collection of short stories by acclaimed authors, each centered around the theme of birthdays. Curated and introduced by Murakami, this anthology features works by various writers from different cultures and backgrounds. Through these stories, readers are presented with a multifaceted exploration of birthdays, showcasing their significance in shaping human experiences, relationships, and emotions. Murakami's introduction provides valuable insights into the universal and personal significance of birthdays, setting the stage for an engaging journey through these tales that range from the whimsical and nostalgic to the poignant and introspective. The anthology's compilation of stories reflects the richness of human emotions tied to this milestone, offering readers an array of perspectives and narratives that resonate with the complexity of celebrating life's passages.

Aesop's Fables, attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, remain a timeless collection of short stories that impart moral lessons through anthropomorphic characters, primarily animals. These fables, dating back to antiquity, have transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries, influencing literature, art, and moral education across the world. Each fable typically features a brief narrative, often concluding with a succinct moral or ethical lesson. Through clever storytelling, Aesop addresses human behavior, virtues, and vices in a manner that is both entertaining and instructive. The enduring popularity of Aesop's Fables lies in their ability to convey profound truths about human nature and ethics in a simple and accessible format, making them accessible and relevant for readers of all ages throughout history.

"The Listerdale Mystery" by Agatha Christie is a collection of short stories that offers readers an intriguing array of mysteries woven with suspense, ingenuity, and unexpected twists. Within this anthology, Christie presents a series of captivating tales featuring a diverse range of characters, each immersed in their own enigmatic predicaments. From stolen jewels to unexplained disappearances and clandestine affairs, the stories traverse various settings, presenting unique puzzles for readers to unravel. Christie's masterful storytelling skill shines through as she expertly crafts intricate plots, red herrings, and surprising conclusions, leaving readers captivated and guessing until the final reveal. The collection showcases Christie's ability to create suspenseful narratives within shorter formats, offering a delightful assortment of mysteries that demonstrate her prowess in the realm of classic detective fiction.

"The Greatest Short Stories of Anton Chekhov: A Collection of Fifty Stories" is a literary treasure trove that encapsulates the brilliance of the Russian master of short fiction. Anton Chekhov, a physician and playwright, revolutionized the short story genre with his keen observations of human nature and his ability to capture life's nuances. This comprehensive collection showcases fifty of Chekhov's finest short stories, each a testament to his narrative artistry and insightful exploration of the human condition. Through tales like "The Lady with the Dog," "The Bet," and "The Cherry Orchard," Chekhov skillfully examines the complexities of relationships, societal issues, and the existential dilemmas that define the human experience.

"Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" by Haruki Murakami is a captivating collection of short stories that intricately blend the mundane with the surreal. Murakami's characteristic style, marked by its dreamlike quality and enigmatic narrative, shines through in this anthology. Comprising tales that range from the ordinary to the extraordinary, each story offers a glimpse into the complexities of human emotions and experiences. Murakami deftly navigates themes of loneliness, loss, love, and the inexplicable, weaving a tapestry of narratives that transcend the boundaries of reality. Through his mesmerizing prose and vivid imagery, he invites readers to explore the depths of the human psyche, blurring the lines between the tangible and the ethereal.

"Men Without Women: Stories" by Haruki Murakami is a collection of seven tales that delve into the lives of men grappling with solitude in various forms. Murakami's keen powers of observation illuminate the narratives, bringing to life vanishing cats, smoky bars, lonely hearts, mysterious women, and cultural references like baseball and the Beatles. The stories are intricately woven together, creating a tapestry that reflects the universal aspects of the human experience.

"Dubliners" by James Joyce is a collection of short stories that provides a vivid and introspective portrait of the people and society of Dublin in the early 20th century. Published in 1914, this seminal work marks Joyce's exploration of the human condition, with each story offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Dubliners. From the poignant "The Dead" to the starkly realistic "Araby" and the emotionally charged "Eveline," Joyce captures the nuances of daily life, relationships, and the impact of social and political forces on individual experiences. The stories are intricately woven, reflecting Joyce's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions with precision.