No Love Lost

Alice Munro, celebrated as one of the finest short fiction writers in English, brings together ten remarkable stories from six of her collections in No Love Lost. Each story delves into the complexities of love and human relationships, revealing profound truths about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Munro's genius lies in her ability to guide readers through love's labyrinth, highlighting its shadows and piercing moments of light. This collection is a testament to her unparalleled storytelling, offering a unique gathering of narratives that resonate with universal human experiences. /n/n The stories in No Love Lost span a variety of themes and settings, from the whimsical to the deeply poignant. Munro's characters are rendered with such vivid detail and emotional depth that they feel as real as the readers themselves. Whether exploring the nuances of courtship, the trials of friendship, or the complexities of marriage, Munro's prose is both incisive and compassionate, making this collection a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of short fiction.

Reviews

The Globe and Mail · 2025-10-16

great 4.25

The collection is praised for its exploration of love and its impact on ordinary people's lives. The stories are noted for their emotional depth and the way they reveal new truths about human relationships.

This review highlights the emotional depth and impact of Alice Munro's stories in No Love Lost. The reviewer appreciates how Munro's writing brings out the complexities of love and its effects on ordinary people. They note that the collection is a powerful exploration of human relationships, with each story revealing new truths about the extraordinary in the ordinary. The reviewer finds the collection to be a compelling read, showcasing Munro's mastery of short fiction.

Quick quotes

What could be better than reading Alice Munro on love?

This new collection includes 10 stories that explore the many paths of falling in love.

Each of these stories reveals new truths about people as real – and as extraordinary – as we are ourselves.

CBC Books · 2024-05-14

excellent 4.75

The collection confirms Alice Munro's status as a master of short fiction. The stories are praised for their incomparable quality and the way they explore various facets of love.

This review emphasizes Alice Munro's pre-eminent status in the world of short fiction. The reviewer notes that the collection brings together stories from different collections, each showcasing Munro's unique ability to capture the essence of love in its many forms. They appreciate the depth and variety of the stories, highlighting how Munro's genius shines through in every piece. The reviewer finds the collection to be a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of human relationships.

Quick quotes

Bringing together 10 incomparable stories from six different collections, No Love Lost confirms her pre-eminent status.

Alice Munro's genius guides us through love's many paths with a clarity and depth that is unmatched.

The stories capture the complexities of love and human relationships with remarkable realism.

Goodreads · 2003-04-08

brilliant 4.50

The stories capture the complexities of love and human relationships with remarkable realism. The collection is praised for its depth and the extraordinary nature of ordinary people's lives.

This collection of stories is a testament to Alice Munro's ability to delve into the intricacies of love and human relationships. The reviewer appreciates how Munro's writing brings out the extraordinary in the ordinary, making each story feel both familiar and profound. They highlight the emotional resonance and the nuanced portrayal of characters that Munro is known for. The reviewer finds the collection to be a powerful exploration of love in all its forms, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

Each of these stories of ordinary people reveals new truths about people as real – and as extraordinary – as we are ourselves.

Alice Munro's genius guides us through love's many paths with a clarity and depth that is unmatched.

The stories capture the complexities of love and human relationships with remarkable realism.

Appears in Lists

Bookscrolling's Ranking of Alice Munro's Best Books (A Bibliography Countdown)