Angst, seduction, escape and extinction control these many tales-a whisper in the ear convinces a lady to take the plunge, another to take up surfing, and a young man to jump in front of a moving train-and there is joy in settling a score with despised neighbours and a conspiracy under the California sun. Some sketches are laced with passion and loss-a son comes to know his mother from a series of letters following her death, while a face transplant changes a man's life, but with it comes the unwanted pursuit of the donor's wife-while others show murderous aspirations and an irrepressible desire for release. Always vital, Vita opens wide the windows into our many lives. | Vita by Susan Lloy, Paperback | Indigo Chapters