This award-winning story collection by Kevin Barry summons all the laughter, darkness, and intensity of contemporary Irish life. A pair of fast girls court trouble as they cool their heels on a slow night in a small town. Lonesome hillwalkers take to the high reaches in pursuit of a saving embrace. A bewildered man steps off a country bus in search of his identity—and a stiff drink. These stories, filled with a grand sense of life's absurdity, form a remarkably surefooted collection that reads like a modern-day Dubliners.

Atlantic City
To the hills
See the tree, how big it's grown
Animal needs
Last days of the buffalo
Ideal homes
The wintersongs
Party at Helen's
Breakfast wine
Burn the bad lamp
There are little kingdoms
Nights at the gin place
The penguins