Even close relatives and friends can be strangers, harboring secrets revealed years later. The World Beaters tells the stories of Michael and Christine friends and family. Despite the title of the eleven story compilation, not everyone is a "world beater," a big success. In fact, some have been beaten by the world. Elaborate conceits, deceits, and fantasies often hide the difficult realities of their lives. Although many of the characters have their roots in the Jewish community of North End Winnipeg, their lies disperse them to Seattle, California, Toronto. They are alternately torn with a need to belong and a need to escape. These are ordinary people, but the stories tell about incidents in their lives which are both typical and transformative: births, deaths, bar mitzvahs, martial break-ups. Kleiman's stories will appeal to a mature reader, capable of appreciating the subtlety of his technique and his quiet mastery of the short story genre.

Recommended.