The best short stories of 1921, and the yearbook of the American short story

"The Best Short Stories of 1921" edited by Edward J. O'Brien is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology features a range of narratives that highlight notable themes and characters from American literature during that time period. The collection aims to capture the essence of contemporary life through varied storytelling styles and distinctive voices of that era. At the start of this anthology, the opening story, "Brothers" by Sherwood Anderson, sets the tone with a somber narrative about an old man in the countryside who believes he has connections to a murderer in the city. The man, seen as somewhat delusional by the locals, is preoccupied with kinship and relationships, intertwining his narrative with that of a troubled factory foreman who commits a shocking act of violence. The juxtaposition of the old man's yearning for connection and the stark reality of the murder highlights themes of loneliness, identity, and the complexity of human relationships, forming a poignant introduction to the collection's exploration of life in America during this transformative period.