A fine collection of short stories from 2003 by Irish writers. These are skillfully written and edited stories that address changes in the world – not only Ireland. And they’re given enough space to develop – there’s no micro-fiction here.

Some address economic changes and the Celtic Tiger days when Ireland was flush and traditionally rural places grew and became destinations for the newly affluent: “the cars have made the streets narrow like a fat man’s arteries and it’s gotten so that some of us feel like strangers here.”

“Barber-Surgeons” echoes some of William Trevor’s stories, with the understated meaningful interactions that make up the tragedy of living. In “These Important Messages” a priest struggles with his vocation, which is placed in opposition to the grasping, sexual secular world he attempts to join for a short time. Claire Keegan’s “Night of the Quicken Trees” is the alluring story of a strong, bereft woman who moves to the harsh coast of Ireland. ( )