Whites

A collection of short stories from the National Book Award-winning author of Mating • "Powerful and original...always convincingly authentic. The ironies keep cutting in new directions." —The New York Times

Whether they are Americans, Brits, or a stubborn and suicidally moral Dutchman, Norman Rush's whites are not sure why they are in Botswana. Their uncertainty makes them do odd things.

Driven half-mad by the barking of his neighbor's dogs, Carl dips timidly into native witchcraft—only to jump back out at the worst possible moment. Ione briskly pursues a career as a "seducer" ("A seductress was merely someone who was seductive and who might or might not be awarded a victory. But a seducer was a professional"), while her dentist husband fends off the generous advances of an African cook.

Funny, sad, and deeply knowing, polished throughout to a diamond glitter, Whites is a magnificent collection of stories.