Lives of Mapmakers (Carnegie-Mellon UP) by Alicia Conroy

Alicia Conroy is an original and surprising short story writer. In this volume, one story uses a fresh-water mermaid as the means to explore the way we project our desires onto wonder and awe, rather than simply leaving it alone. Another explores the relationship between a mangled hand and a love affair. The title story concerns itself with the relationship between mapmakers and their creations. Conroy's is a witty, and nuanced voice.