Walking Wounded — William McIlvanney

These poignant short stories about the quiet yearnings of ordinary lives form “a sad, brilliant, joyful tribute to the dreams that never make it” (Sunday Express).

From a recipient of a Whitbread Award, a Faber Memorial Prize, and other literary honors -- who has been called “one of Scotland's finest writers” (Independent) -- this is a collection of stories about the casualties of social and emotional struggle, the people who defy defeat with humor, resilience, and a persistent faith in their unfulfilled dreams. Whether widows or prisoners or argumentative elderly spouses, they are all the walking wounded -- and they all have the power to inspire both laughter and empathy.

“As a stylist Mr. McIlvanney leaves most of the competition far behind.” -- The New York Times Book Review