Parlour Four — J.I.M. Stewart

A small boy is kind to someone disabled, with unexpected consequences. A young lover presents a ring found on a French beach to the girl of his dreams, but doesn't appreciate its history and value. Meanwhile, in Oxford, the Bodleian Library is mysteriously empty, whilst one of the dons very unwisely turns to writing fiction, and becomes a bestselling author. And in yet another tale, a cruel ending brings the absurdity of death into sharp focus. All of the stories in this collection focus on life's ironies and absurdities and are told with Stewart's usual wit and wisdom, with due attention to detail.