THE CIVILIZED WORLD

Paths intersect and inner worlds are exposed in a diligent collection of female-centered stories with African and American settings.

The mood is often somber in Wyss’ series of linked narratives as her assembly of female protagonists, whose individual trajectories cross and twine, grapple frequently with apprehension, disappointment and regret. Beautician Adjoa is first seen in “Monday Born,” working in Ivory Coast with her twin brother Kojo to raise money to start a business back home in Ghana. But there’s danger in the air, and it is borne out in “The Precious Brother Salon,” with another life lesson to follow in “Life Is Like a Mirror.” “Names” introduces foreign-service spouse Ophelia whose stiff marriage comes under scrutiny again in “Waiting for Solomon.” In addition, there’s solo health worker Janice and opinionated matriarch Comfort, both of whom put in repeat appearances at key moments. The collection changes perspective in “Calculations of Risk,” in which Comfort’s white daughter-in-law confronts issues of race and sexual threat and appears undermined as the story fades. Finally, “There Are No Accidents” brings together Adjoa, Janice and Comfort in another simple yet humane scenario involving a corrosive secret and the softening influence of children.

A sober debut which scrutinizes family and relationship bonds with empathy but not much imaginative zest.