Within these fourteen hilarious and insightful tales of urban life, you'll meet:

Raiford Phelps, an ornithologist who discovers new patterns of animal behavior when he meets Mary Leibnitz.

Benno Morna, a temporary bachelor, free to indulge in TV, junk food, and Greenie Frenzel when his wholesome wife is out of town.

Vincent Cadworthy and Guido Morris, whose elegant friendship is suddenly disrupted by Misty Berkowitz.

Elizabeth Bayard, whose passion for order and civility does constant battle with her unruly loves.

They are buffeted by the pressures of their jobs, imposed upon by their families and their surroundings, and remain ever hopeful of making sense of their lives. With compassion and biting wit, Laurie Colwin has created a new sort of comedy of manners.

A W&N Essential