Reviewing a Short Story
June 30, 2026
“Rashid’s sneakers hiss on the stairs …”
My dystopian flash is available and free to read at https://hollowoakpress.com/whump-whump/.
How do you choose what to read?
So many books, so little time. Choosing what to read often boils down to reader reviews. It’s one reason why authors consistently ask readers to write reviews. Good reviews (not just a rating) add to positioning a novel in the algorithm. Bestsellers are all about sales, and reviews help categorize a particular work among its genre competitors.
Here’s where short stories fall—well—short. Reviews for anthologies and especially for individual short stories are often lacking.
I typically check whether one of my works, in an anthology or zine (whether online or in print) has garnered any reviews or comments. Of the eighteen stories I’ve had published over the past five years, exactly three have been reviewed. This adds add up to seventeen percent of total, too small a percentage to give potential readers insight into why spend time (and possibly money) to read one of my stories.
Starting a New Trend
My solution? I’m hoping to start a trend. In the blog, I’ll review short stories as often as possible. To start off, here’s my review of a lovely and touching flash by Subham Rai, The Hollow in the Hedgerow. This is an Acorn Flash Fiction Feature.
The Hollow in the Hedgerow
The Review
I’m a sucker for atmospheric stories, one where anything can happen. The Hollow in the Hedgerow provides exactly that. The MC, Greta, walks every morning along the hedgerow planted by her now deceased husband, Tom, until one morning of fog, memories assail her (in a good way).
With brevity full of engaging imagery, Rai gives us images from Greta’s life with Tom, and the reader quickly understands her grief. The touching prose makes an impact that stayed with me. Highly recommended. Free to read at The Hollow in the Hedgerow
Keep it Simple—And Short
I’m a big believer in short reviews. Rather than try and tell the author’s story (and risk a spoiler) it’s enough to say what you liked. Lovely prose. Touching. Engaging characters. Unforgettable.
This, with a 5- or 4-point rating out of a possible five is sufficient.
Hoping you’ll take the time to head out to Acorn and read Whump-Whump and also leave a comment giving your honest opinion.
Look for the next blog on July 31 and the next newsletter on September 20.
