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Short stories, a literary form embraced by Colm Tóibín, are concise narratives that present a focused glimpse into a character's journey or a specific moment in time. Unlike novels, short stories are characterized by their brevity, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a condensed yet impactful literary experience. Tóibín masterfully wields this format to explore profound themes, human emotions, and universal truths within the confines of a few pages.