This collection of short stories is by authors from around the world: some are well known in their native language, others are relative newcomers and, for many, this is the first time their work has appeared in English. France: A mayor and his community try desperately to maintain the appearance of normality in a village that refuses to stay in one place. Germany: A successful author longs to return to the wild days of his youth, but his long-suffering wife is not so sure. Iran: A child tries to come to terms with the shock of her parents' separation. Italy: A doctor comes under the spell of an invalid giantess and her domineering mother. Korea: A country girl travels to Seoul to live with her mother, and is both dazzled and disappointed by what she finds there. Mexico: The quest to become parents takes over the lives of a couple who seem to have everything but the ability to conceive a child. Spain: A twin falls from a building, changing his brother's life forever - but which twin? Switzerland: Amélie is left holding the baby as domestic realities erode her relationship with Émile, the love of her life. Tahiti: Cousin Pouen is onto a winner when his scrawny rooster turns out to be the Tyson of fighting cocks. Venezuela: A lonely young boy in a small backcountry town struggles with the mysteries, inconsistencies and cruelties of adult behaviour.