A stunning collection of short stories for fans of Ali Smith, Kate Atkinson, and Katherine Mansfield
Two traveling musicians attempt to come to terms with a nightmare scenario at home; restless teenagers run riot during lockdown, with disastrous consequences; Albert Einstein's reputation grows, as does his absence as a father; a cantankerous ninety-nine year old contributes to the chaos of a night ward. An accomplished novelist and short-story writer, Rose’s long-celebrated mastery of the form allows her to draw through lines of loss and longing, uncertainty and hope. She conjures the essence of a situation with insight, economy and dark wit, and vividly presents an uncompromising view of the world where everyone is searching but few find what they hope for. Each story vividly creates the inner world of a compelling, yet disparate cast of characters, and these brief glimpses into the lives of others leave a lasting afterglow.