A young boy discovers the ambiguity of adult affection. A camp comedian cracks up on stage. A picture-restorer learns to accept her husband's true nature. A travel agent tastes the mysterious power of the Internet. A honeymoon couple take an unconventional route to love...

These stories employ a spectrum of different voices to explore all aspects of experience - friendship, family, misunderstandings, frustrations, griefs and joys. They will appeal not only to the author's loyal readers, but also to a broad new readership for their assured style, humour, compassion and insight.

'A simply outstanding collection . . . Elegant, tender, shocking, full of wit and insight – these stories are never less than beautifully executed' Manchester City Life

'Arditti imbues his stories of loneliness, confusion and the uncertainties of sexual neophytes with genuine pathos and . . . humour' The Times

'At his best when he . . . allows his characters to seduce us with nothing more than the ordinariness of their lives' TLS

'The diverse, urbane stories here ARE good, some of them are fun, and others are far from clean' Shena Mackay

'These are grown-up stories for grown-up people . . . presented in often extreme and dramatic narratives' Michael Langan, Attitude

'[These stories] simply and elegantly break your heart. They deserve a wide audience, and will create a wiser one.' Amanda Craig, Literary Review