For an author mostly known for his books, largely non-fiction, this rare book of short stories is illuminating. Matthiessen notes at the outset that he hasn't written many short works, and always meant to write more. The stories exhibit Matthiessen's great range: rescue workers waiting for a body to surface; a German immigrant's struggle with her own family; a Native wolf tracker doubting his work; a naive nurse in a mental institution; and the racism of the Deep South. The book also details his growth as a writer, as he stories are arranged chronologically. Matthiesson grew on me with each story.

4 bones!!!! ( )