WINNER OF THE ROONEY PRIZE FOR IRISH LITERATUREWhen 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 ofpromise.William Trevor