Sometimes lyrical, sometimes tough, these stories deal with the foibles and frailties of acutely drawn characters pursuing freedom, love, beauty and adventure amidst the stark realities of life, whether at the end of a dictatorship in Spain, on an exotic Mediterranean island or as a Spanish bride-to-be first encountering Canada. Frank, provocative and haunting, these pieces range from dark comedy to quirky, uncertain romance to edgy thriller. The writing is vivid, sensual and contemporary.