Katherine Mansfield was just 22 when these captivating stories first came to life in book form. Despite her later reluctance to see them republished—deeming them mere juvenilia—these tales offer a fascinating glimpse into the early stirrings of a remarkable literary talent. While only a handful of the stories are set in a German boarding house, reminiscent of the place where Mansfield navigated the complexities of an unwelcome pregnancy that tragically ended in miscarriage, they resonate with wit and insight. Throughout the collection, Mansfields sharp humor and palpable discontent with societal expectations of women shine through, making this an engaging listen for those intrigued by the nuances of her early work. (Summary by Peter Dann)
