A timeless collection of short stories about the driving forces in our lives. The author introduces us to a vivid new cast of restless, searching people who, whether in the Irish countryside or London or New York, remind us of our own humanity. A librarian waits in the lobby of a posh Dublin hotel expecting to meet a celebrated poet while reflecting on the great love who disappointed her. Irish workers dream of becoming millionaires in London, but long for their quickly changing homeland exiles in both places. A searing anatomy of class is seen through a little girl's eyes.