Challenging the preconceptions of the hypothetical "small town," this collection of short stories vividly portrays a variety of imaginative characters. In Germany, a house-husband is slowly sent over the edge by his over-achieving neighbors. In the Norwegian town of Odda, a middle-aged Morrissey fan has a matter of hours to find a girlfriend so his ailing mother can die in peace. On a broad European canvas, these diverse tales paint a tightly knit community in a positive light. Centering on gestures such as white lies, indifference, small kindnesses, and secrets, this intriguing anthology is...