I enjoy magical stories for their escapism, creativity, and sense of wonder. They take me to imaginative worlds where anything is possible, from spells and potions to witches and wizards. These stories evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding
me of childhood, while also exploring deeper themes in symbolic and thought-provoking ways. The emotional impact of these tales is often powerful, delivering moments that stay with me long after I’ve finished reading.
This
Guardian’s series is introduced by Uschi Gatward, who wrote “
English Magic“, a book I received in the Shakespeare’s Library Year of Reading 2022, where the magical
emerges not just from spells but from the subtle, everyday moments and places, giving a new perspective on how magic can weave into ordinary life. It appears that she chose these short stories with some witches and sorcerers alongside
other stories where enchantments spring from unexpected sources.
The Ten Short Stories
Arrival of the Snake-Woman – Olive Senior (1988)
The Fisherman and His Soul – Oscar Wilde (1891)
What You Pawn I Will Redeem – Sherman Alexie (2003)
Five Leaves and a Stranger – Jacob Ross (2017)
The Standard of Living – Dorothy Parker (1944)
Bind Your Hair – Robert Aickman (1964)
The Magic Shop – HG Wells (1903)
The Red Shoes – Hans Christian Andersen (1845)
This Blessed House – Jhumpa Lahiri (1999)
Al-Addin, or the Wonderful Lamp – attributed to Antun Yusuf Hanna Diyab (XVII-XVIII
th century)