A woman remembers her mother's favorite stories, the vinaigrettes of family life that reveal parent to child... a Potter tries to come to terms with the group of poets who live with her, idolize her, and infuriate her.. a political activist feels a great bond with his kidnappedcat... a girl agrees to go on a perilous raft trip because the invitation flatters her, makes her feel much braver than she is... these are just a few of the people and moments in this magnificent new collection of short stories by the incomparable Margaret Atwood, whose best-selling, award-winning novel, the handmaid's tale, marked her place as one of today's very best writers. this collection will only enhance that well-deserved reputation.