Another story collection from Haldeman (Dealing in Futures, 1985, etc.), this one comprising 11 tales, 1986-94, and four ``story poems.'' Pride of place goes to the Hugo and Nebula-winning novella, ``The Hemingway Hoax,'' of which the 1990 Kirkus review of the novel version declared: ``Literary games and multidimensional meddling. . .so strong are Haldeman's warmth and charm, so deep his knowledge and love of Hemingway, that all this hanky-panky remains enjoyable even at its most improbable.'' Also impressive are the Hugo award-winning title piece, about genius, unlikely lovers, and rewiring the human brain; and ``Graves,'' a Vietnam horror yarn that won both a Nebula and a World Fantasy award. In a similar vein, ``The Monster'' is another excellent candidate for The X- Files. And there's plenty of variety in the remainder, including: murder and painting by proxy; a multidimensional alien masquerading as an actor in order to collect human DNA; alien contact; dream therapy; and an anti-war parable. Unfortunately, the afterword, examining the ``life experience'' vs. ``sheer invention'' elements in each story, actually undermines them; authors, like magicians, should keep their secrets. Haldeman, while always an agreeable host, is at his best when his attention is fully engaged--Hemingway, Vietnam, alienation--and when he allows his own hopes and fears to communicate to the reader.
