The finest story writer in Canada might just also be the finest anywhere. Set for the most part in rural Canada, these 28 stories span 30 years of the career of a rare writer who only writes stories. Munro's concentration on the form gives each story the weight and breadth of a novel. "Miles City, Montana," "Differently," and "The Progress of Love" are among the best of a collection that will consistently surprise and reward.

Chris Hodgdon