a great introduction to Wodehouse or a treat for established fans

bound to be a festive seller but there’s lots to keep you chuckling throughout the year

The undisputed master of the modern Indian short story

Manto's irony and humanity raises him on par with Gogol

One of the most gifted short-story writers produced by the sub-continent

Psychological richness, frequent poignancy . . . Davis hints insistently at how abundant nothingness can be when we bother to look at it

Can't and Won't shows Davis using precise language to articulate the kind of ideas and impressions which are usually left to float around the subconscious

I am also a massive fan of Lydia Davis so was really excited about Can't and Won't

Mr Bones showcases the author's virtuoso storytelling abilities, as he tells stories of tricky situations, slippery personalities and unsettling motives

Misfits and twisted individuals loom large throughout these urbane stories . . . satirically edged.

Paul Theroux combines the traveller's hawk eye with the novelist's keen insight. . .[he has] an uncanny ability to rivet the reader.

A masterpiece of wit and elegance.

The author charts the various stages of life with engaging curiosity and earthy compassion... The publishers, Jonathan Cape, have done a fine job with this handsome and substantial collection.

All the customary satisfactions of Burnside's writing – anomie, menace, flashes of violence and cruelty, hallucination and snow – but multiplied.

Even Burnside’s most routine stories have beauty and intelligence. He is never less than something like brilliant.

A tremendous collection from a writer working at the full tilt of his gifts.