Set in the United States and London, this debut collection introduces us to a cast of characters, some anguished in their pursuit of impractical dreams, others struggling to make sense of their failures. A mathematician who has forsaken everything in order to prove a theory; an older woman author achieving fame late in life; a guilt-ridden mother struggling to impress her teenage daughter; an unhappy lawyer attempting to survive a corporate retreat with dignity — all are ambitious and passionate, but to their dismay find themselves at odds with the pattern of their lives. Attempting to make a new beginning or heal a hurt, they are thwarted by embarrassing impulsiveness or a sudden lack of faith.

"Kane's style is direct yet nuanced, and all her characters feel authentic; this is an impressive debut." Publishers Weekly

"This exquisite collection of stories examines ordinary people trying to explain their failures to themselves or others....Kane's writing style is extremely realistic and down to earth." Library Journal

"Characters...give voice to the ceaseless yearnings that — so Kane's volume suggests — preoccupy us almost from the cradle to...grave." Kirkus Reviews

"Kane's debut collection is achingly, pitch-perfectly sad, detailing painful adult awkwardness and the lost respect of beloved children." U.S. News & World Report

"Kane write(s) in the tradition of Alice Munro or Russell Banks stories that are small windows onto ordinary, troubled lives." Newsday

"Kane's sparse but poignant writing satisfies...(these) heartrending stories will convince even the optimist that some sad stories need telling." San Francisco Chronicle