Skeptical and feminist, funny and disturbing, Barbara Parkin’s stories expose the truth about her characters’ lives: some rugged, some pastoral, all humming with danger and beauty. Philipa struggles to define herself outside her mother’s fantasy that she will marry royalty; Lena confronts the women who tormented her when they were girls; Joy looks all over for somewhere to call her own, and finds herself in the house of her childhood. These women struggle with the “man inside” who urges them to see themselves as men do.Parkin’s skill and daring makes her strong characters, exquisite detail and perceptive observations about human nature convincing and compelling. These powerful, gripping stories are about ways of perceiving the world.”This is wise, sharp, powerful writing, and we’re fortunate to have it.”-Gayla Reid