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