The twenty-one stories collected here display a wide range of styles and techniques. Some are very short, little more than atmospheric reflections. A number have non-standard narratives arcs (a few have no arc at all). At times a reader might begin to think that the British have a different concept of “short story” than is prevalent in North America. But at least a few would sit comfortably alongside the stories of Alice Munro or George Saunders. So your final assessment might be simply that the British short story is a healthy animal, a bit unpredictable but full of purpose and drive.

Of special note, for me, would be Janice Galloway’s, “Distance,” Claire-Louise Bennett’s, “Control Knobs,” and Graham Mort’s, “InTheory, Theories Exist.” But all of the stories are certainly worth reading and future yearly collections will be much anticipated. Gently recommended. ( )