The writing of Marguerite Duras has an otherworldly quality, even in these stories, which address real issues – loneliness, adultery, jealousy, alcoholism. In “The Square,” a maid and a traveling salesman, who believe themselves to be “the lowest of the low,” try to connect, with difficulty.

A mother in “Moderato Cantabile” is driven to near adultery by wine and a crime of passion committed within her hearing. “10:30 on a Summer Night” details the unraveling of a marriage through adultery as a couple, their daughter, and a friend take a driving trip to Madrid. More adultery occurs in “The Afternoon of Mr. Andesmas.” Each of the stories features a child who is integral to the plot. ( )

Readers beware: the first novel in the series, The Square, is a shocker. Completely dead in the water, I don't think I've read a less compelling dialogue... only really seems to function under scrutiny based on the pet theories of the nouveau roman. Why they put it before Moderato Cantabile or 10:30 on a Summer Night is beyond me; all it accomplishes is whittling down the numbers who read and enjoy the last three excellent novellas.

Three Novels might have been a wiser move, but it'll keep the completists happy. ( )