O'Brien is so terribly good at what she does that I fervently hope never to come under her scrutiny. The edge of her gaze is so keen you won't know it's sliced through your facade until you collapse from the loss of blood. I acknowledge her brilliance with words, and in observation about the human creature, especially as it behaves in the company of others, but I can't say I entirely enjoy reading her stuff. I sometimes feel sorry for her characters, not for their circumstances or failings, but for the unsparing light their creator casts on them. I'm glad to have read this collection of short fiction, but probably won't seek out any more of O'Brien's work. In fact, as I recall, I have in the past abandoned two of her novels. ( )

Catch it! ( )