A short story collection from the UK-based NZ writer, loosely and obliquely linked around the title theme. These are not always conventional stories, and some explore the very conceit of creating fiction. Others are largely stream of consciousness, or in internal monologue, but all are inventive and original, and some carry quite an emotional impact. Most are set in Scotland and England, but NZ does get a look in as well. I must admit I didn't quite know what to make of some of them, but hugely admired the sheer quality of the writing and the invention on display.