Cover Before Striking

In 13 strong and distinctive pieces, Uppal appears to regard the short story as a superbly elastic form and an inviting opportunity to explore familiar human circumstances from fresh angles. She is versatile, adept at whatever genre she chooses%E2%80%94from the straight-up vengeance comedy of %E2%80%9CBlind Spot" and the memorable four-sectioned family portrait in %E2%80%9CRecipes for Dirty Laundry" to %E2%80%9CThe Man Who Loved Cats," a mysterious fable about an elderly father, his three daughters and a house full of felines. The stories exhibit a fascination with descents into states of near-madness. A woman forms a protective relationship with bathroom fungus in %E2%80%9CMycosis," and the institutionalized pyromaniac diarist of the title story recalls her toxic engagements with men. In %E2%80%9CThe Lilies" an avid gardener finds herself tipsily at odds with %E2%80%9Cviolent flowers." In %E2%80%9CThree Days Left," an unhappy ad agency executive of spends a listless vacation at home but winds up spending dark hours handcuffed to his fence. Boldly exploring story shape, tone, and perspective, Uppal grounds the empathetic stories in real-life circumstances%E2%80%94like grief and loss. The sudden death of loved ones in three poignant tales%E2%80%94%E2%80%9CAt Your Service," %E2%80%9CVertigo," and %E2%80%9CWind Chimes"%E2%80%94showcases the author's technical skills and sheer inventiveness. Agent: Hilary McMahon, Westwood Creative Artists. (Mar.)