These electric stories by one of the most exciting Irish writer of the new century summon all the laughter, darkness, and intensity of contemporary life. A pair of fast girls court trouble on a slow night in a small town. Lonesome walkers take to the hills in pursuit of a saving embrace. A bewildered man steps off a country bus in search of his identity -- and a stiff drink. There are Little Kingdoms is the bravura debut collection by a writer who burst onto the literary stage fully formed.

Atlantic City -- To the hills -- See the tree, how big it's grown -- Animal needs -- Last days of the buffalo -- Ideal homes -- The wintersongs -- Party at Helen's -- Breakfast wine -- Burn the bad lamp -- There are little kingdoms -- Nights at the gin palace -- The penguins.