"This book contains some of the most perfect stories written in the English language. Its merit lies in its conciseness, its subtle style of storytelling, and the generosity that allows the reader to feel more intelligent than the author. A discreet gesture, a trivial detail, a seemingly casual word reveals the truth about a character and provides the key to the story. The reader finishes the last page with the grateful impression that something, perhaps unspeakable, marvelous or terrible, has been revealed to them."
Alberto Manguel
Selection and afterword by Alberto Manguel.
