What do you think?
Rate this book
Portal : A Collection of Short Stories
A Collection of Short Stories by Sharon Dorival is a captivating anthology that weaves together tales of love, resilience, adventure, and the mystical. Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean and beyond, these stories explore the complexities of human emotions, the power of nature, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
From the poignant tale of Aisha in Love’s Choice, who defies societal expectations to pursue her dreams, to the mystical journey of Amaya in Guardians of the Eye, who confronts ancient forces to protect her village, each story is a testament to the richness of imagination and cultural heritage. In Grandma Senville, the wisdom of generations inspires a young woman to embrace her roots, while Absolute Power chronicles a daring revolution that reshapes an island’s destiny.
The anthology also delves into the fantastical, with Weaver of Tales and Legacy of Love exploring themes of storytelling, legacy, and the supernatural.Stories like Fragments From Our History and Guardian of the Natural Forest transport
readers to otherworldly realms, blending science fiction and environmental advocacy. Meanwhile, Simple Living and Whatever The Weather celebrate the beauty of everyday life and the transformative power of connection.
Portal a Collection of Short Volume 1 is a celebration of the human experience, blending Caribbean culture, universal themes, and imaginative narratives into a compelling and unforgettable anthology.
From the poignant tale of Aisha in Love’s Choice, who defies societal expectations to pursue her dreams, to the mystical journey of Amaya in Guardians of the Eye, who confronts ancient forces to protect her village, each story is a testament to the richness of imagination and cultural heritage. In Grandma Senville, the wisdom of generations inspires a young woman to embrace her roots, while Absolute Power chronicles a daring revolution that reshapes an island’s destiny.
The anthology also delves into the fantastical, with Weaver of Tales and Legacy of Love exploring themes of storytelling, legacy, and the supernatural.Stories like Fragments From Our History and Guardian of the Natural Forest transport
readers to otherworldly realms, blending science fiction and environmental advocacy. Meanwhile, Simple Living and Whatever The Weather celebrate the beauty of everyday life and the transformative power of connection.
Portal a Collection of Short Volume 1 is a celebration of the human experience, blending Caribbean culture, universal themes, and imaginative narratives into a compelling and unforgettable anthology.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 8, 2025
Sharon Dorival's “Portal: A Collection of Short Stories” is a captivating and emotionally resonant journey through a series of diverse human experiences. Like the title suggests, each story serves as a window into a different life, a different world, or a different emotional landscape. Dorival demonstrates a remarkable ability to shift between genres and tones, offering readers a rich tapestry of narratives that range from the poignant and heartfelt to the suspenseful and speculative.
One of the collection's greatest strengths is its authenticity. Dorival's characters feel real and lived-in. Whether she is exploring the quiet grief of a widow, the budding romance of two strangers, or the desperate choices of someone on the brink, she imbues her protagonists with a genuine complexity. Their motivations are clear, their flaws are relatable, and their triumphs (and failures) resonate deeply. The stories are often driven by a sense of introspection, allowing us to not only witness events but to truly understand the inner turmoil and growth of those who experience them.
The collection's variety is another standout feature. No two stories are the same. One might find themselves immersed in a tale of magical realism, where the ordinary world is tinged with the extraordinary, while the very next story might be a grounded, character-driven drama about family secrets. This keeps the reading experience fresh and engaging, as you never quite know what to expect on the next page. Dorival handles these shifts with skill, ensuring that each story, regardless of its genre, maintains a consistent level of quality and emotional depth.
While some stories are short and punchy, leaving a lingering question or a quiet moment of reflection, others are more developed, feeling like condensed novels. The pacing is consistently well-managed, pulling the reader in from the first paragraph and holding their attention until the final word. Dorival has a clean, evocative prose style that is both accessible and beautiful. She doesn't waste words, yet manages to paint vivid scenes and create strong emotional connections with remarkable efficiency.
“Portal” is a testament to the power of short fiction. In a world of sprawling epics, Dorival reminds us that a complete and moving story can be found in just a few pages. This collection is a perfect read for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character-focused narratives and enjoys a blend of genres. It's a book to savor, one story at a time, and a clear indication that Sharon Dorival is a writer to watch.
Verdict: Highly recommended. “Portal” is a beautiful and varied collection that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
-Hayden Dorival
One of the collection's greatest strengths is its authenticity. Dorival's characters feel real and lived-in. Whether she is exploring the quiet grief of a widow, the budding romance of two strangers, or the desperate choices of someone on the brink, she imbues her protagonists with a genuine complexity. Their motivations are clear, their flaws are relatable, and their triumphs (and failures) resonate deeply. The stories are often driven by a sense of introspection, allowing us to not only witness events but to truly understand the inner turmoil and growth of those who experience them.
The collection's variety is another standout feature. No two stories are the same. One might find themselves immersed in a tale of magical realism, where the ordinary world is tinged with the extraordinary, while the very next story might be a grounded, character-driven drama about family secrets. This keeps the reading experience fresh and engaging, as you never quite know what to expect on the next page. Dorival handles these shifts with skill, ensuring that each story, regardless of its genre, maintains a consistent level of quality and emotional depth.
While some stories are short and punchy, leaving a lingering question or a quiet moment of reflection, others are more developed, feeling like condensed novels. The pacing is consistently well-managed, pulling the reader in from the first paragraph and holding their attention until the final word. Dorival has a clean, evocative prose style that is both accessible and beautiful. She doesn't waste words, yet manages to paint vivid scenes and create strong emotional connections with remarkable efficiency.
“Portal” is a testament to the power of short fiction. In a world of sprawling epics, Dorival reminds us that a complete and moving story can be found in just a few pages. This collection is a perfect read for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character-focused narratives and enjoys a blend of genres. It's a book to savor, one story at a time, and a clear indication that Sharon Dorival is a writer to watch.
Verdict: Highly recommended. “Portal” is a beautiful and varied collection that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
-Hayden Dorival
Displaying 1 of 1 review