I’m a big fan of linked short stories. Some can almost read like novels and are often marketed as 
Jhumpa Lahiri’s exquisite, Roman Stories, has at its centre a suite of pieces featuring characters who live close to a set of steps. Written in elegant, precise language, Lahiri’s stories are suffused with a quiet empathy for characters living far away from their family or at the middle of a life marked by loss or discontent. The experience of well-heeled professionals contrasts with economic and political migrants, often homesick and struggling to pay the rent. It’s a gorgeous collection which marches the extraordinarily high bar set by her novella, Whereabouts. 
Paul McVeigh’s I Hear You has a similar structure, comprising three standalone stories plus The Circus, ten pieces all featuring participants in the talent show put on by the titular club’s new owner. The £10,000 prize has focused the minds of all manner of performers – from the impressionist who’s incapable of being himself to the magician’s assistant who sees a chance for revenge on her coercive partner to the medium convinced he has a direct line to God, and happy to charge believers £99 to access it. There’s no room for fancy literary footwork but McVeigh conveys a great deal in these brief stories, all commissioned by the BBC to fill a fifteen-minute radio slot.
Sidik Fofana’s meticulously constructed Stories From the Tenants Downstairs revolves around the tenants of a rundown Harlem apartment block, each of whom is given their own distinctive voice, often in a vernacular which sings out from the page so that you can almost hear it. For all of them, the urgency of making enough money to get by is a constant, made all the more so by the eviction notices served by a company intent on making a hefty profit from the sale of apartments some have lived in all their lives. An impressive collection, so confident and assured it’s hard to credit that it’s Fofana’s first.
Any linked short story collections you’d like to suggest?
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From this selection, I only know Roman Stories, which like you I highly recommend. But the sort-of-linked story is a conceit I liked here, so I’d certainly like to give the rest of your choices a go.
That’s a particularly fine example. I think it’s a structure that works well: lots of room for character and thematic development which might convince the short story averse to give them a try.
Definitely. Luckily, I’m happy with both types of short story collections.
I seem to remember Tom Drury’s The End of Vandalism (1994) was made up of linked stories. And of course the great Olive Kitteridge …
Olive is the queen of the linked short story! Thanks for the Tom Drury tip.
I love linked short stories too and I’ve read none of these! Thank you for so many temptations!
You’re welcome! Still my favourite kind.
I enjoy linked short stories over individual ones normally. Two I’d mention are Daniela Krien’s Love in Five Acts (which you loved too if I remember) and Tokyo Cancelled by Rana Dasgupta – which is like a modern Canterbury Tales – set in an airport where all the flights are cancelled – the first book in which I’d encountered the form I think.
I love Krien’s writing! I’d forgotten all about the Dasgupta but I do like that format. Wayne Macauley did something similar with the Decameron in Demons.
I love linked stories and you have inspired me to see if the library has Lahiri’s Roman Stories. Kaggsy’s post today has reminded me that September brings Short Story September. (I did know it was Spinster September; are you planning to read anything on that theme?).
One of my favourites! I’m intrigued by Lahiri’s writing in Italian rather than English. I usually have a short story collection on the go so hope to include that in Short Story September which I suspect will expand my TBR list.
All of these are new to me but Address Book and Stories from the Tenants Downstairs are very appealing; I loved the 44 Scotland St books with the different voices of the tenants!
It’s a great structure, isn’t it? Particularly with a shared address.
I love a linked short story collection too, though can only think of Elizabeth Strout to recommend as I sit here typing! I’m very interested in both the Jhumpa Lahiri and Cathy Thomas’ Islanders. They sound right up my street.
The Lahiri is sublime! So beautifully expressed. I hope you like both if you get to them, Victoria.
I bought ROMAN STORIES ages ago as you recommended it. It’s sitting waiting in a to-be-read pile and I really should read it NOW!
Hoping I’ve spurred you on. It’s so evocative, like a virtual trip to Italy.
You have!!
Of these, I’ve only read Islanders. I can recommend Perfect Lives by Polly Samson. Although it was published in 2010, it has lingered in my memory. Also, partly set on Guernsey, is Exactly What You Mean by Ben Hinshaw, which I also enjoyed.
I’d forgotten all about the Samson! Adding Exactly What You Mean to my list. Thanks, Wendy.
Glad to be of help. I love short story collections, especially linked ones.
Oh I thought originally you were preparing for Short Story September.
I have not read these books, but have enjoyed other books by your first author.
So maybe you can join us for Short Story September?
https://wordsandpeace.com/2026/09/04/short-story-septeember-my-year-2026-in-short-stories/
I posted this on Monday, the last day of August, so jumped the gun a little but Rebecca kindly linked back to it in her post.
I don’t know how widely available it might be outside of Canada but there is a short story collection called Latebreaking by KD Miller that is a fantastic set of linked stories.
Sadly, not on offer here but I might see if I can pick up a second hand copy. Thanks!
I, too, like short story collections that have the stories connected in some way. I’ll have to check out some of these ones you’ve recommended! 🙂
They’re how I found my way into short story reading. I hope you find something you enjoy, Karen.