An enlightening collection of short stories and other unpublished works that highlight Rebecca West's deft hand at fiction   Published posthumously, these short stories and excerpts from unfinished works highlight what made West a highly regarded novelist: sensuous descriptions, self-sufficient yet vulnerable heroines wrestling with the meanings of identity and love, and even brushes with magic and mysticism. West's powerful narrative style draws readers into her worlds, whether via a comic sketch, a romance, or a thriller. Many of these characters will remind West's fans of their later published incarnations.   Sure to be a pleasure for new readers and seasoned fans alike, this insightful collection informs as much as it entertains.