'A superb collection: a series of brief lives which McIlvanney passes through the eye of a very sharp needle' Literary Review

These are the stories of the casualties of social and emotional struggle, who defy defeat with humour, resilience and inspiring faith in their dreams. The walking wounded.

These are the stories of ordinary people.

"A sad, brilliant, joyful tribute to the dreams that never make it" - * Sunday Express *

"McIlvanney's great skill lies not only in illuminating those fleeting events which hint at, or embody greater truths, but in evoking an entire life within the compass of a few hundred words" - * Sunday Times *