Eight short stories exploring the faith, foibles and fascinations of men and women. A young nun charged with talking an anorexic out of her religious fanaticism toys with the thin distance between practicality and blasphemy. A strange bond between a teacher and a schoolgirl takes on ever deeper, stranger shapes as the years progress. A bride-to-be with a penchant for nocturnal bondage cant seem to stop bashing herself up in the light of day. Winner of the 2013 Scotiabank Giller Prize. Includes strong language.