Ben Stroud

A collection of short stories, originally published elsewhere but gathered into this anthology. Quality ranges from the superb title story--no wonder the reader is teased by it into reading the others--to the so-so or unpleasant. The title of the collection is deceptive--times and settings range from 7th century Constantinople, New Spain, 19th century Germany and America and on to present day. The overarching theme was that of a "dream" and either fulfillment or failure and how the protagonist dealt with the outcome, depending upon the story. Human emotion and reactions to circumstances are laid bare. Writing was sharp and incisive.

My favorites:
the titular "Byzantium": a nobleman with a withered hand seeks to preserve the throne of the then-reigning monarch, Emperor Heraclius from a rival.
"Borden's Meat Biscuit": a failed inventor.
"The traitor of Zion": the protagonist discovers a utopia is really not so perfect after all.
"Tayopa": the search for a silver mine in a remote area of Mexico
"The Don's Cinnamon" and "The Moor": cases of a 19th century mulatto detective in Cuba and in Germany.… (lisätietoja)