Short stories have a way of connecting readers to characters’ backstories, hopes, desires, and even misfortunes in less than 20 pages. A well-written short story can leave some readers wanting more, and others content with where it ended. Whatever the case may be, short story collections often accomplish those feelings and realizations multiple times, yet somehow finding a common theme. Cravings by Garnett Kilberg Cohen is a short story collection that explores moments in her characters’ lives that demonstrate what they want most, and how seemingly small ones change their lives forever.

Several stories are quite tragic, yet all of them are undoubtedly meaningful. In one story, a woman reflects on a night from her childhood, the night her father died, and wonders if her uncontrollable urges contributed to the horrific event. In another story, a man struggles to maintain an affordable lifestyle and a strong marriage while caring for a young daughter with a serious illness. And another, where a young grandmother living on a pig farm in Michigan befriends her exciting new neighbor from New York, only for her to unintentionally spark rumors that ruin their lives. 

Below are my favorites among the 12 stories included in Cravings: 

• Hor d’oeuvres
• Slow Dance
• Noir
• Her Life in Parties
• Maternal Instinct
• Feast

While I found Cohen’s writing style to be superfluous at times, I admire her ability to write from different POVs, and create characters who shine in each story. Readers who love contemporary fiction will undoubtedly enjoy the entire collection. 

Cravings is available now.