Set in the darkest heart of Africa, in deepest Slovenia, in the melting pot of Chicago and in Hemon's native Sarajevo, this collection of linked stories crackles with humour, pathos and irrepressible energy. Recalling the surreal and salient experiences of a life — not least in the narrator's ill-fated expedition across Yugoslavia by night train to acquire a freezer chest and dispose of his virginity — each story confronts pain without blanching but finds delicious absurdity in experience. Hemon made his name writing stories, and this collection surpasses anything he has written to date. 'Hemon is a world-class writer or seismic depth, riptide humour, wine-dark language and unflinching candour' — Booklist. 'An original who owes no debts to anyone' — Patrick McGrath.