One Sun Only: Stories

by Camille Bordas

A stunning collection of stories exploring love and art, luck and loss, from the “invaluable” (George Saunders) author of How to Behave in a Crowd and The Material

A young woman takes stock after the burglary of her apartment. A teenager becomes obsessed with the obituaries in a weekly magazine. Grandchildren mourn the grandparents who loved them and the grandparents who didn’t. Painters and almost-painters try to distinguish Good Art from Bad Art. People grapple with life-altering illness, unrequited love, and promises they have every intention of keeping. Some win the lottery. Others don’t.

In these sinewy, thoughtful stories, celebrated New Yorker contributor Camille Bordas delves into the mysteries of life, death, and all that happens in between. At once darkly funny and poignantly self-aware, Bordas’s writing offers a window into our shared, flawed humanity without insisting on a perfect understanding of our experiences.

With her first collection, which gathers previously unpublished stories alongside work originally featured in The New Yorker and The Paris Review, Bordas cements her reputation as a master of the form.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 27, 2026

About the author

Camille Bordas est née à Lyon, en 1987. Elle a passé son enfance au Mexique et vit maintenant à Paris. Elle est étudiante en anthropologie.
En 2009, elle a été remarquée par la critique avec la parution de son premier roman, Les treize desserts, pour lequel elle a reçu la Bourse Thyde Monnier de la SGDL et le Prix du Livre du département du Rhône.

Reviews

[ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every story was very well-written and developed. I appreciated the direct writing style. My favorite story was Beyond. I was laughing out loud while I read it, and honestly would have read another 300 pages of it! I like how every story is relatively simple in terms of plot, but has depth and mild twists that make the story unique. These short stories feel much longer than they are (in a good way) because of the depth to them. You feel like you get to know the characters, their motivations, their perspectives. This was a very good collection and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Marcus (Lit_Laugh_Luv)]

oh this cover... she's gorgeous

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I read short stories frequently and teach them constantly. I have a strong appreciation for the genre and for convincing reluctant readers that they should give a short story a chance here and there. Since I find increasingly that modern readers are not really digging into this genre as much, I'll start by noting that folks who enjoy the genre will find a lot to like here. The same is true for novice short story readers, but they should approach the collection with expectations that meet the genre, not with the idea that this will be just like reading a novel but faster.

Bordas has a direct style that I find approachable and connected to conditions and circumstances that many readers will relate to. These stories are not particularly esoteric, drenched in ultra 'literary' symbolism, or confined to individuals with very niche experiences. The focus is on elements of the human condition, and the overarching style, for me, tends toward understated. Since the very first entry begins with a reference to one of my all-time favorite short stories, I bought in almost instantly. This is a solid collection, and it's one I'd consider pulling examples from for teaching purposes (really a high compliment in my world). Minimally, I'll recommend the collection to students who are looking for approachable, modern examples of the genre.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Will Lyman at Random House, Hogarth, and Dial for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story collection. A lot of slice of life moments that had me wishing there was more resolution to each tale. Just as I was getting settled in with the characters the story ended. It’s amazing that such a short piece can leave such a lasting impact and it had me thinking about the characters long after I finished.

Thank you for the advanced reader copy Netgalley and Random House.

[Remi · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a collection of introspective, emotionally perceptive short stories that felt refreshingly different from most collections i’ve read recently. camille bordas writes with a calm, observant tone that lingers on the small shifts, disappointments, realisations, and quiet absurdities that shape a life. there’s no dramatic twist or shock factor here; but rather, the power comes from human thought, memory, and self-awareness.

the stories explore different ways people try to make meaning out of ordinary experiences. almost every story offered something to take away, which is rare for me when it comes to short story collections. my personal standouts were One Sun Only, Most Die Young, The Lottery in Almería, Chicago on the Seine, Offside Constantly, and Understanding the Science.

if you enjoy character-driven, reflective storytelling that feels truthful, this is a gorgeous, quietly powerful read. it's the kind that sits with you afterwards, even if nothing shocking happens.

-------
to-read:

how to distinguish good art from bad art? this amateur who works in an art museum is dying to know.

*thank you to Random House for the ARC*

[James B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the ebook. These stories, which were mostly published in the New Yorker, are from a mature writer who is able to see life from all angles. There’s a real fire in these stories, but not a blind anger, because these characters understand life. Towards the end of book, a long time professor who writes novels, is asked to be interviewed about a former student who gained fame with short films on YouTube and then became a proper filmmaker, but has died young. The professor remembers the student as provocative, but without depth or discipline, but the professor, years later, stole a part of one of the many stories that the student dashed off for the class, and stuck it in one of her novels. And that’s what so many of these stories try to show: I see who you are, but am I really any better than you when I’m really being honest with myself?

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House (Will Lyman) for the ARC of One Sun Only by Camille Bordas.

I know there are readers that do not enjoy short stories. As readers, they don't get to spend enough time with the characters, or just as the situation in the story gets interesting, it ends. The experience is just so...short. Or worse yet, nothing happens in the story at all. It's all observations and reflections that start and go nowhere. What was the point? For those readers, the thought of reading a collection of these narrative forms must almost feel like literary torture, whippings with plotless pages, pointless dialogue like fingernails on a chalkboard.

I understand somewhat. I have read short stories that I just did not "get," stories where I just could not make an intellectual or emotional connection. I've read stories where I was not satisfied with the ending, that left me wanting one more page, one more paragraph. We want stories we like to continue forever. But I have also read short stories that in their length just floored me with their impact, stories that I couldn't imagine being one word longer because they were perfect. In their brevity, they contain all that is essential.

One Sun Only is an impressive collection of stories that I really enjoyed. As I read the ebook, I would highlight different sentences and passages that I found either beautifully descriptive or insightful or emotionally true. I had not read any of the stories by Camille Bordas before, so with every story I read my admiration just increased. Bordas creates these specific, unique, quirky characters that are confronted by or embroiled in situations that test them, and in doing so reveal much more of themselves than perhaps they would like. Her characters aren't necessarily nice or mean, well-intentioned or conniving, spirited or timid; they are both at the same time. They are flawed, questioning, unsure, yet somehow manage to make it through the situation, not necessarily to their satisfaction. Her characters are incredibly relatable because they are like us, kind of muddling through life, trying to understand our own motivations and questioning those of others. It is at this point of friction--understanding/misunderstanding--that Bordas excels at: The tiny moments of antagonism between characters, the passive-aggressive replies, the unsaid but thought remarks of reprobation. The uncivility that exists beneath most relationships is apparently where the action happens.

If there's one thing that Bordas's characters share, it is a wicked sense of humor. Throughout One Sun Only I found myself laughing out loud at some of the observations a character would make about another character in a story. Most of the stories in One Sun Only crackle with the subtly dark, near black humor that the characters employ almost as a defense against the absurdity of their situation.

One Sun Only is a fantastic collection of stories by a writer who has something to say about life, about relationships, about how we live. Individually, the stories are great, but the collection as a whole illuminates a definite perspective or view of human relationships. And this is the value of short story collections like One Sun Only, because they are perfect examples of the saying "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Think of one of George Saunders's collections. There's a kind of magic that happens when stories are brought together in one book, and this is what you get in One Sun Only.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of One Sun Only from Random House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am consistently drawn to short story collections, particularly those that focus on everyday experiences and emotional nuance rather than overt plot. Books like After the Quake, Afterparties, and Inheritors are longtime favorites of mine, so I approached One Sun Only with interest and a clear sense of what I value in the form. Camille Bordas delivers a thoughtful and often quietly funny collection that pays close attention to interior lives and small, telling moments.

Many of these stories explore grief, childhood trauma, obsession, and the lingering desire for approval. Several pieces focus on children or teenagers with darker or more unusual fixations, including a teenager preoccupied with obituaries. These characters felt believable and carefully observed, and their perspectives often added both humor and emotional weight. I especially appreciated how Bordas allows her characters to be complicated without overexplaining them.

The writing style is spare and sometimes slow, but intentionally so. The pacing encourages reflection and allows the humor to surface naturally rather than forcefully. Some stories resonated more strongly than others, but the collection felt cohesive overall. The endings are frequently unexpected and unresolved, which reminded me of Murakami’s approach, though Bordas remains firmly grounded in realism. This lack of closure worked for me, but it may not appeal to readers who prefer clear conclusions.

By the end of the collection, I felt amused and reflective, with certain images and emotional beats lingering more than individual plot points. This is a book that invites attention rather than urgency, and it rewards readers who are comfortable sitting with ambiguity.

I would recommend One Sun Only to literary fiction fans and readers who enjoy short story collections, with the note that the open-ended endings are a defining feature. Readers who need resolution may want to skip it, but those who appreciate subtlety and character-driven work will likely find much to admire.

[LLJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley and to #RandomHouse Publishers for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of Camille Bordas' awesome collection of short stories -- "One Sun Only." The title story was just one of a number of exceptional pieces which comprised the collection and left me ready to read all of her prior work.

Emotionally moving, laugh out loud funny, and poignantly observant, there was not a single story I did not find interesting. Some were outright captivating and won't soon be forgotten. I have a list of amazing quotes that I will add to my review on platforms like GoodReads once the book is released in late January.

Being an avid reader and lover of language and metaphor, to be solidly rocked by so many scenes and scenarios was a true pleasure. The author is sharp and truly insightful - providing some memorably relatable situations and mental conundrums -- moments I have personally felt or experienced in my life (maybe not in the same circumstances but certainly with the same worries and concerns). These are very human and relatable stories in so many ways.

The characters were lovingly drawn (whether inwardly likable or not) and children, in particular, were brilliantly depicted. I loved the "camp" story "Beyond" and its main characters and have thought about it often since finishing it.

I highly recommend this collection - definitely for anyone who enjoys well-told short stories - but simply for readers who love great writing. Again, I thank you and congrats to Camille Bordas on a gorgeous collection!! #brava #OneSunOnly

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Camille Bordas has been a regular contributor to the New Yorker (and several other similarly regarded publications) for quite a few years. If you're already a fan of hers, you'll be pleased with this collection of her short stories. You may have read a few of them before, as most have appeared in previous issues of The New Yorker or The Paris Review.

Mostly similar in length, the short stories in Bordas' One Sun Only: Stories are very singularly her own voice. I wasn't familiar with her writing before this collection, but as soon as I started the second story, it was clear Bordas has a distinct style. The risk you run with a distinct voice is that it isn't always for everyone. In this case, I fall into that category.

At first, there was something captivating about the normalcy of Bordas' stories. Each is a small slice of a someone's day, entrenched in a specific situation and blooming outward to encompass a few additional characters. As soon as I'd find myself investing in the characters, Bordas seemed to have moved on. Rather than being a result of the short story format, this seemed to be a stylistic choice. Bordas even addresses this in Colorín Colorado, where a student criticizes a professor's writing for its lack of plot.

I love experimental writing, but rather than diving into an experiment, Bordas' collection just dips in a toe and backs off before finding out what might happen.


Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Sun Only: Stories by Camille Bordas is a highly recommended collection of twelve literary short stories which explore the human condition. The majority of these were originally published in The New Yorker with the rest either from The Paris Review or original stories.

All of the stories are thoughtful character studies and present a slice of life of life rather than a conventional plot. They are perceptive, attentive, and reflective while following characters through a specific situation or while dealing with an occurrence. The characters can be acutely soul-searching and flawed as their lives are portrayed from multiple faucets while they deal with various situations.

The quality of the writing and use of language is what elevates these stories above the ordinary, even while they frequently portray ordinary events in the lives of their characters. The characters all react in understandable, ordinary ways to the events that they are experiencing. Admittedly, because the stories are more a slice of life with no real final resolution, I did feel a loss of closure for some of the stories. On the other hand they really represent a perfectly presented slice of life.

One Sun Only: Stories is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys literary short stories. Thanks to Random House for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/1...

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first introduction to Camille Bordas's writing and upon first look, this would have been an anthology I loved - I've long appreciated the subtle, poignant works that bring new light and perspectives to the mundane and overlooked struggles of day-to-day life. At first blush, "One Sun Only" seems to do just that; Bordas takes on a number of different characters across genders, age, locations, and life situations weaving brief but cohesive backstories and plots around them.

From a novelist father who watches his two young children approach the topic of death and the afterlife and drastically different ways, a community that gathers as a life-changing lottery is drawn, an opthalmist who gets her apartment burglarized while she was sleeping - there is an impressive range of stories and settings that are covered in this short work. Some of these short stories were more personally impactful for me than others, but many I found myself wondering if I had completely missed the underlying message or theme. Bordas's writing was also difficult for me to adjust to; her tone and prose feels regimented and structured in a way that doesn't convey much emotion, and there was little variety or change in this from story to story.

Unfortunately this was not the anthology for me and my preferences.

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of twelve short stories, each a perfect encapsulation of literary characters stood up living and breathing, with seemingly effortless grace, and the space of a mere few pages. In each case, young and old, and brimming with dry humor, the reader is invited in to share lives populated by ordinary people, in situations ordinary and otherwise, who leave us as quickly as they are revealed.

Between these pages we will meet a woman somewhat unsuccessfully released from colorblindness; an overweight thirteen-year-old fan of the Sopranos, banished to summer “fat camp”; a grief-stricken fourteen year old whose “sleeping attacks” may not be narcolepsy; an unusually helpful American embassy worker in Paris, stationed overnight at a morgue.

Flawed and vulnerable, survivors and sufferers, our narrators are humans just trying to figure life out, or just the opposite — alone, hiding behind weird beliefs, avoidant or anxious, shamed or superior, going about their days.

A treat for any reader of short stories, I loved meeting every one of these fascinating characters, — absorbing, experiencing, and then, reluctantly, setting them free.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

[Bandit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough book to rate and review, although a very smooth read.
The thing is ... well, the thing with literary short stories, as opposed to the speculative ones, is that they don't necessarily rely on plot. Oftentimes, they eschew it altogether in favor of language and focusing on quotidian minutiae.
Bordas is smart and self-aware enough of an author to know this about her work - so much so that the last story of this collection literally addresses this.
So your enjoyment of this book will likely be directly proportionate to the value you place on plot. For me, it's paramount, essential, crucial. While I can appreciate the language and the slice of life sensibility, it isn't quite enough, certainly not for a full-length book.
And it's somewhat frustrating too, because Borgas can obviously write - and very well at that.
So, this may not be for everyone. User mileage will vary. Etc.
Thanks Netgalley.

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Camille Bordas, and her writing immediately struck a chord with me. The way she brings each protagonist to life within a single chapter or story is genuinely impressive. After just a page or two, I found myself already connected to each character in some way, though I’m not sure I can pinpoint exactly why. Maybe it was their authenticity, or the realness of their lives. Watching these characters move through their relationships and their own inner worlds, sometimes gracefully and sometimes not, was truly captivating. They felt familiar, not because I’ve read anything like this before, but because they felt known. Nothing dramatic or overblown, just honest slices of life. With recurring themes of death, connection, and meaning, this collection really stayed with me. The character work was exceptional.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Camille Bordas for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review!

[Andy Krahling · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.

I quite enjoyed this. Often silly, often random, often common and everyday, many times seemingly without a conclusion. That didn't matter to me. I was taken in, accepted the world's written, and enjoyed the small journeys.

I can see where a lack of expected endings would rub some folks the wrong way - I loved this aspect of the tales. The stories had meat and weight, and felt (to me) powerful.

I'd never heard of the author before this book. I would love to read more from her.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read any of Camille Bordas's work before picking up One Sun Only and I wish I had. It's so hard to get the art of short story writing correct and Bordas knows how to create beautifully written, flawed characters to bring out the heart of the stories. I will admit I was annoyed that a couple of them felt "unfinished" to me or that I thought they could be expanded into a novel. Despite that, I think they're all easily readable and flow together.

4.5 stars from me ⭐️ - thank you Serpent's Tail & NetGalley for this ARC

[Cat Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t want this to end. Every perfectly contained story is clever, imaginative, relatable, and reassuring. The selfish, overthinking, restless protagonists are us: weird, attentive, trying to be better and exhausting of the effort too. I loved this.