Captivating. Every word is perfectly chosen. I've never thought of myself as a short story person. Apparently I hadn't read the right short stories. Underlined and went back to review my favorite sentences.

4.5 stars. When Munro is "on" there is no one like her, and several of these stories made me question myself and my past in ways that no non-fiction work really has or probably could. I read this over several days, and the characters stayed with me as went throughout each day, goading me and inviting me to rethink what they were up to.

There may be other short story writers on par with Alice Munro, but none can surpass.

The title story alone in this collection is worth the price, the rest of the wonderfully incisive, human stories that follow are a bonus.

Read this book, then read it again.

Life is complicated. So are the worlds that Alice Munro creates in each of these short stories (mostly starring women). These are not easy topics she tackles - relationships are hard and life can throw curveballs you never saw coming. Her writing is fantastically descriptive and her perspectives are insightful to say the least. Worth of a Nobel Peace Prize.

Recommended for fans of drama, complicated life, and ordinary settings from an extraordinary perspective.

Short stories from Alice Munro never disappoint. This collection is comprised of 9 unique short stories, but flows like a novel. I am always impressed with Munro's ability to quickly develop strong characters!

The first collection of Munro's that I have read and one that I liked immensely. Every character seemed to come alive as each story progressed and not just in the ordinary way, I could actually relate to the different characters' feelings and thoughts the way they were experiencing them. The animated setting of places unknown to me and the brilliant sketches of ordinary characters were the most striking features for me.

I am not usually a fan of short stories but these are outstanding. Her accolades are all well deserved.

Every short story in this collection is like a small, perfect novel. Munro never rushes her characters, or tries to move them towards resolution. We have time to get to know them, to learn from their memories and actions. Even peripheral characters come alive with short, sure strokes of description. An each story ends at a perfect moment of clarity, and still leaves you wishing for more.

The title story is about two young girls who behave badly, faking a romance for the housekeeper. Somehow they end up assuming the role of fate, and do a fairly decent job of it, in spite of themselves.

The last story is a portrait of a marriage in its last years. Fiona is a fascinating character who loses her memory and becomes attached to another resident at her nursing home. The narrator is her husband, and we share his tenderness, passion and jealousy, as well as his recognition of his wife’s new needs.

Every story here rewards a slow rereading.