International Story Day

Tracy Chevalier, novelist, recommends…

‘The Necklace’ by Guy De Maupassant

(CLASSIC: from The Best Short Stories, Wordsworth)

This story – about a woman who loses a diamond necklace she’s borrowed from a friend, thus ruining her life – has a classic twist in the tail that knocks readers sideways. When I read it as a teenager I decided all stories should be set up like this one.

Read now | Listen now | Order book

Contemporary:

‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ by Lorrie Moore

(MODERN: from Self Help, Faber)

Moore is so funny and heart-breaking at the same time. She’s pitch-perfect in this story of the end of a relationship.

Order book