One World: A global anthology of short stories

Chimamanda's name is listed as the drawing card for this book, which makes sense: who wouldn't immediately reach for a book containing a short story written by the young woman who had already written written 2 major novels before the age of 30, one of them a chef d'oeuvre, a masterpiece of literature? But the other stories by other young(-ish) authors are just as strong, just as compelling, and make this book a real delight, an adventure of discovery.

In Leng Lui is for Pretty Lady, by Elaine Chiew, the character, Alina, received an English Lit degree from a university in Manila. Yet she works in Tokyo as a maid for the wealthy Kong’s. She is focused on supporting her family and returning home to Manila. The Kong’s, parents of two children, are estranged in their household. When Mrs. Kong is not savoring White Russians, she’s having a torrid affair with the young man in the Chinese medicinal shop. Mr. Kong, a banker, chats with, slobbers, and tongues a turnip that sits atop his nightstand. Drama begins at the Kong household when Mrs. Kong, on impulse, takes a 10 day holiday to Phuket with her lover. In the conclusion, the Kong’s realize that Alina is the cohesive force in their family. I loved some of Chiew’s expressions “…his tongue is a lizard peeping through a crack in a dry wall,” or “…curls on the floor like dried shrimp.” Written in first person, the author successfully created tension, mystery, and humor. Another favorite is Kelemo’s Woman by Molara Wood, the character, Iriola, a university grad, had lived with her lover, activist, Kelemo, for four years. When a coup took place, once again, Kelemo wanted to fight for political and social change. But Iriola had grown tired of hiding and living underground. As her mother lay dying in hospital she tried to convince Iriola that Kelemo couldn’t help a country in its death throes. She advised Iriola: “Allow yourself to be pulled down by no one; I mean no one.” When Kelemo escaped, Iriola was caught and arrested by the army. Iriola decided to protect herself and not look back. Feminine wiles could be a necessary consequence. “Without your mother, the person to watch over you, is you.” Iriola always obeyed her mother. In Martina A. Ramos’ Way of the Machete, the negativity of machoism is displayed. In a mortal battle, a family man with strong, masculine pride, takes on the town’s bully. Dipita Kwa’s The Honor of Woman reveals the literal truth in the proverb “you reap what you sow,” in the story, a mother and daughter face up to the consequences of their actions. The kettle on the Boat, Vanessa Gebbie writes about the crisis with climate change and how it impacts the food chain resulting in an Inuit family relinquishing their eldest daughter. The author evokes a keen sense of sadness in the child’s description and confusion about the family leaving their home. Other short stories expressed: The disgraceful persecution and abuse of albinos in Africa. The pressures on husbands to be the primary earner and their diminished status in their own country, as well as in immigrant families abroad. Immigrant families experiencing culture shock. Fears concerning children’s loss of their language, family traditions, ire and dismay at children’s untoward lifestyles, marital and family estrangement, and immigrants that develop stable marriages and families in a new environment. The stories I commented on were my favorites. I gave this book four stars.

This anthology was an easy read. The stories were interesting and some had unforeseen twists, which is always nice. I fell in love with one particular author...Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as a result of reading this anthology. I would love to see future editions of this anthology featuring writers from countries not included in this first go round.

One World cleary displays the talents of the greatest authors of this century. I enjoyed every single story in this book and was able to expand my list of international authors that I need to add to my library. I promise, if you love short stories you will surely enjoy this book to the max.

I gave it 3 stars because only half of the stories did I feel were written exceptionally well. The others didn't make sense or ended in a strange place. The Nigerian stories were my favourites and I'd recommend this book to someone interested in learning about other cultures.

some of the stories are sad and a little confusing but overall well written and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the last story because I see myself in it

While the stories included in this book are all good, it's a bit falsely labeled: not a single writer from Central or South America is included, and the only writer with East Asian roots--Sequoia Nagamatsu--attended Grinnell College in Iowa, got his MFA at Southern Illinois, and now teaches at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. He did live in Japan for a couple years, so he's a great example of international hybridity, but still.... The stories included are mainly from African and South Asian writers -- and as far as it goes, it's a good collection. But to skip at least one whole continent doesn't seem "Global" to me.

So many amazing stories! My life is forever enriched and transformed by them. PS The last is my personal favourite 😉

I love this anthology of diverse short stories. You can really get a taste of where the authors are from as each story has its own peculiar tinge. I particularly adore the stories from nigerian authors, including Adichie. This is a real gem. The stories are so well woven, they draw you into the village, hamlet and though most of the stories are resolved, they leave you wanting more. I'm not too keen on the title as it sounds quite lame (shame really) but once you get past that to explore the characters from Bangladesh, USA, Nigeria, Botswana, you will be slow to put the book down.

My husband enjoyed the book

Ich habe mir das Buch für mein Studium gekauft, muss aber dazu sagen, dass es mir dennoch sehr gut gefallen hat. Die Geschichten in diesem Sammelwerk sind Mitten aus dem Leben vieler Leute. Durch dieses Buch bekommt man einen guten Eindruck vom Weltgeschehen und es bringt einem oft zum Nachdenken. Alles in allem ein gutes Buch! :)

A mix of good, great and okay stories A must read for anyone interested in short stories with distinctly African flavours

I was impressed by the depth and cultural richness of this collection of short stories.I was taken around the world and came across similar and unique experiences.I liked the different formats and styles and I reccomended to anyone interested in writing short stories across the cultural divide.