A collection of twelve short stories, this work explores the unsettling mysteries hidden beneath the surface of ordinary, everyday existence. The protagonist in each narrative faces a sudden shift in reality or perception, forcing them to confront the fragility of their own logic. Hollingshead employs a variety of narrative frameworks to examine how individuals navigate the strange, often absurd constraints of their environments. These characters must reconcile their internal desires with the external pressures of a world that refuses to remain predictable.

This collection earned significant critical acclaim upon its initial release, culminating in the prestigious Governor General’s Award for Fiction. Critics and readers alike noted the author's ability to manipulate perspective, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the final page. The stories are frequently cited for their technical precision and the way they elevate common scenarios into something profoundly strange. The work remains a defining example of Canadian short fiction from the mid-nineties, reflecting a period of experimentation with form and tone.