Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
Multilayered, subtle, insightful short stories from the inimitable Booker Prize–winning author, with an introduction by Anita Desai
Nobody has written so powerfully of the relationship between and within India and the Western middle classes than Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. In this selection of stories, chosen by her surviving family, her ability to tenderly and humorously view the situations...

Over the course of her glittering literary career, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala wrote some of the most wonderful novels of the twentieth century and screenplays to some of the most beloved films - but she was also a master of the short story form. This stunning new collection brings together the jewels in the crown of her writing: it is a showcase of astonishing storytelling power.

Set in the early 1900's, Maggie is the daughter of American tycoon Adam Verver, who marries an impovished yet charming Italian aristrocrat, Prince Amerigo. Through a twist of fate, Adam marries the Prince's former lover, Charlotte. Maggie's suspicions deepen to a possible affair between the Prince and Charlotte, when Maggie makes the ill-fated purchase of a golden bowl. It becomes only a matter of time before Maggie unravels the truth from a world...

In the mid-1780s, widower Thomas Jefferson replaces Benjamin Franklin as the U.S. representative to French regents Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. He tries to resist the beautiful Mrs. Cosway. Also in Paris is Jefferson's daughter Patsy; when another daughter dies back in Virginia, Jefferson sends for his youngest, who brings along her slave, Sally Hemings, then 15, whom he also finds irresistible

After winning a grant to write a biography of the Hispanic author Jules Gund, Iranian-American student Omar (Omar Metwally) must travel to Uruguay and convince the family to give him permission. Omar finds more than expected as he tries to persuade the late writer's brother (Anthony Hopkins), wife (Laura Linney), and mistress (Charlotte Gainsbourg). A complex look at loss, The City of Your Destination is a moving drama from director James Ivory.

After winning a grant, Omar Razaghi travels to the estate of the late Uruguayan author Jules Gund in order to convince his three executors to let him write an authorized biography.

The quartet consists of novelist Marya Zelli, her Polish husband, Stephen, wealthy philanderer/artist H.J. Heidler and his wife, Lois. Though she has been indulgent of H.J.'s past indiscretions, Lois isn't keen on her husband carrying on an affair with Marya under their own roof. Meanwhile, Stephen sits in prison, jailed for his various petty thefts. Once Stephen is released, he learns about the triangle. When the dust settles, it is Marya who suffers...