William Trevor

Included in these twelve stories; a waiter divulges a shocking life of crime to his ex-wife; a woman repeats the story of her parents' unstable marriage after a horrible tragedy; a schoolgirl regrets gossiping about the cuckolded man who tutors her; and in the title story, a middle-aged accountant offers his reasons for ending a love affair.

Twelve new stories from one of the best short story authors. The theme of this collection is missed opportunities!

When Thaddeus is unexpectedly widowed, he is haunted by their last afternoon together. He is also left with a baby daughter for whom he must find a nanny. Thus the unsuitable Pettie comes into his life.

Sunday Express Book of the Year. Whitbread Winner. Felicia's journey across the Irish Sea in search of a friend leads her into a dark and unforgiving landscape. Whitbread Book of the Year Winner.

A collection of short stories from a writer who is gifted in showing the richness of the lives of 'ordinary' people!

In 1921, Lucy Gault's father is a land-owning Protestant from County Cork. When three local youths attempt to set the house alight, Captain Gault shoots at them. This shot has Far reaching and tragic consequences for the family, especially for nine year old Lucy.