Short Fiction
Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary
This collection presents a selection of M. R. James's chilling ghost stories, often told from the perspective of a scholar or antiquarian who stumbles upon ancient artifacts or forgotten lore. The narratives typically begin with a seemingly mundane academic pursuit, gradually unfolding into tales of spectral encounters and unsettling discoveries that blur the line between the natural and the supernatural. James's concise and atmospheric prose makes his stories ideal for intermediate English learners seeking to practice reading comprehension with a focus on descriptive language and suspenseful plotting.
Learn English with Short Fiction
- Suits learners around level B2: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
- 10,780 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
- Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.
How it works
- Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
- Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
- Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.
Create a free accountRead full books, save your progress and vocabulary, upload your own books.
Questions about this book
Can I read Short Fiction in English for free?
Yes. The first chapters of Short Fiction open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.
How much English do I need?
The text is estimated at level B2. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.
Is there audio?
Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.
