Standing Stones: The Best Stories of John Metcalf gathers three novellas and five short stories showcasing Metcalf’s celebrated elegance and trademark blend of comedy and melancholy. From Canadian backyards to European train stations, each narrative brims with vivid characters and sharp insight.

In these tales, readers encounter a shy student entangled with a grotesque landlady, a teacher whose leniency sparks a daring prison escape, and a dreamer who may glimpse Venus outside a Milan station. The collection also features a rock band performance, a punk son’s journey, and a silent monologue delivered to a bronze statue in Argentina.

Key Highlights:

• Complex characters navigating absurd and poignant moments
• Fusion of humor, sadness, and elegant prose
• Settings ranging from Canadian towns to international locales

Praised by Alice Munro and The Washington Post, Standing Stones affirms Metcalf’s place among Canada’s finest storytellers, offering a rich literary experience that resonates long after the final page.

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