The Fireman's Wife and Other Stories

Richard Bausch. W. W. Norton & Company, $18.95 (219pp) ISBN 978-0-393-30790-0

Among these 10 stories are the title tale and its sequel, ``Consolation,'' which examine the lives of firemen and their spouses before and after tragedy; and ``Luck,'' narrated by the son of an alcoholic housepainter. ``Bausch tells graceful, shapely stories, impressive in their sweep, deeply moving, insightful and witty,'' said PW. (Aug.)

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