A gift horse, and other stories

by Kate Cruise O'Brien

When A Gift Horse, Kate Cruise O'Brien's first book, was published in 1978, it met with universal critical acclaim. These fifteen short stories, which include such classics as Henry Died and Trespasses, are wry, accomplished and sophisticated. Young people in school, in college, at work, in love and out of love, in despair and in death are the subjects, their stories elevated to the universal by the genius of the author. Kate Cruise O'Brien writes extremely well. She can catch a mood, and can skillfully flash clear, sharp images in the mind.... These stories slide themselves into the best of company and are rewardingly full of promise.

Genres: Short Stories

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Born in 1948, she died of a brain haemorrhage at the age of 49.