Mr. Simpson and Other Short Stories

This is a delightful collection of urbane stories, all well told and interesting. The title story provides an overview of the life led by Wallis Simpson’s husband, post-divorce. While Wallis became the famous Duchess of Windsor, poor Mr. Simpson is little known and seldom the subject of stories and books. His mundane life in obscurity represents an interesting take on such a pivotal figure in British history.

Each story is a world unto itself. The reader will delight when the hard working florist figures out a way to negotiate an untenable rent increase. Blackmail, anyone? These are everyday stories of cranky old people, morally compromised jet setters, and mid-level executives who are brutalized by their dictatorial bosses. Some of the characters have married out of their league and some never want to marry at all; each character and story in this book is unique and worth meeting.

This book makes for a great nighttime read. It is the author’s first collection of short stories, but his international and business experience helps to make the stories realistic and believable.