In these stories, Alice Munro pinpoints the moment a person is forever altered by a chance encounter, an action not taken, or a simple twist of fate. Her characters are flawed and fully human: a soldier returning from war and avoiding his fiancée, a wealthy woman deciding whether to confront a blackmailer, an adulterous mother and her neglected children, a guilt-ridden father, a young teacher jilted by her employer. While most are set in her signature territory around Lake Huron, some strike even closer to home: an astonishing suite of four autobiographical tales offers an unprecedented glimpse into Munro’s own childhood.

To reach Japan -- Amundsen -- Leaving Maverley -- Gravel -- Haven -- Pride -- Corrie -- Train -- In sight of the lake -- Dolly -- The eye -- Night -- Voices -- Dear life.