Book Review: Runaway

Runaway by Alice Munro is the first collection of short stories I've read in a very long time. I had forgotten how much I love to read short stories - especially when they're done well. Munro has an amazing ability to capture a story in 50 pages or less. And she manages to describe things in great detail and tie the story up in a way that makes you want more!

Munro is a fairly well-known Canadian author, but I had never heard of her. I have a slight obsession with Canadian authors right now. None of them have ever disappointed me. What is it about the air up there?

All of the stories in this collection are about women in Canada. Many of the stories span several decades. They describe relationships and emotions and everyday relationships that would appear mundane if anyone else wrote about them.

The only criticism of the book is that all of the stories end on a depressing note. Each ending came with a touch of longing and pain that have been hard for me to shake off. I think this book, more than any others, will create some interesting discussion at book club this month.