National Short Story Month: “Motherland”

In honor of National Short Story Month, we’re taking a second look at some of the best works of fiction that have appeared in The Furnace Review. Here, from Fall 2010, is “Motherland” by Anthony Jones. It took Grace Silverstein three tries to dial the phone number of her younger sister; a number that she had had memorized for the last ten years. That’s how bad her hand was shaking. When it finally started ringing on the other end, she pressed the telephone close against her face and cowered down into the sofa so that she could just see over the leather cushion into the mouth of the hallway. From the strained, nervous expression on her face…

National Short Story Month: “Stitches”

In honor of National Short Story Month, we’re taking a second look at some of the best works of fiction that have appeared in The Furnace Review. Here, from our Winter 2010 issue, is “Stitches” by Tina Higgins. From the cab of his dad’s semi, Jesse watches rows of corn blend together. It’s dusk and the world feels blurry, unsure of itself. His dad has a cigarette tucked behind his ear and one smoldering between his fingers. Jesse reaches for the half empty pack and lights himself one. “Hey, grab us a beer.” His dad’s voice is thick with phlegm. He coughs once, rolls down his window and spits into the wind. The beer isn’t…

National Short Story Month: “Beirut”

In honor of National Short Story Month, we’re taking a second look at some of the best works of fiction that have appeared in The Furnace Review. Here, from our current issue, is “Beirut” by E. Farrell. Beirut rose hot out of old ashes while Greg was not tuned in. He was setting out brie and sesame crackers and could not have said who was talking or precisely what they were talking about. Something about the war, about a suicide attack in Baghdad or Kirkuk, maybe both. Greg had set the tray down and cradled his drink, a scotch and soda that Ann had made a little lighter than he’d pour himself, heard the soft…

Looking for more stories?

It’s great fun looking back at our own favorite short stories, but don’t stop there. The Furnace Review’s Facebook page is featuring even more great works from all across the web this month, including Sam Lipsyte’s “Deniers” from The New Yorker. Have a look — and don’t forget to say hello while you’re there!   Photo: “I’ll Still Say That You Shone Brighter Than Anyone” by Bethan Phillips

National Short Story Month: “The Girl Who Would Live Forever”

In honor of National Short Story Month, we’re taking a second look at some of the best works of fiction that have appeared in The Furnace Review. Here, from Winter 2010, is “The Girl Who Would Live Forever” by Leah Erickson.   “Ammonium nitrate?!” Adele was stunned silent. Her mother had slammed her bedroom door open, and now she stood over her, quivering, face flushed in anger. She couldn’t think quickly enough for a response, so she merely narrowed her eyes and scowled. She was laying on top of her bed, schoolbooks dumped beside her on the floor. She stared at her mother’s frizzed red curls, the throbbing vein in her temple. The sun flashing off the mirrored…

National Short Story Month: “Belonging”

In honor of National Short Story Month, we’re taking a second look at some of the best works of fiction that have appeared in The Furnace Review. Here, from Fall 2010, is “Belonging” by Nora Burkey. It is June as usual and for the twelfth consecutive year I am north of Montreal visiting her again, like I do every summer after promising myself not to, probably because Chris is right. I am weak when it comes to her. “How did this happen?” I had asked Chris. “I was so close this time.” “I knew you weren’t serious,” he’d said. “I don’t know why you thought this year was different.” Because this year I had thrown the Learn French!…

Revisiting “The Enemy in Your Backyard”

In honor of National Short Story Month, we’re taking a second look at some of the best works of fiction that have appeared in The Furnace Review. Here, from Summer 2010, is “The Enemy in Your Backyard” by Mark Gozonsky. What was Aunt Erica writing in her notebook? He imagined a note, in her wholesome cursive: David: industrious. That would be good, for now. Later she could make it better. She could make up something his character did that was more interesting than asking for twist-ties to keep the garbage bags closed. That’s what David had just asked Uncle Bert for, which is why Uncle Bert had said he was very industrious. David’s character in…