Philip K. Dick's alternative history of post-World War II, though at times clunky, remains bloodcurdling.

The reissuing of Leonard Gardner's 1969 "Fat City" should be cause for literary cheer.

Christine Schutt again proves her mettle as a stylist in this novel of frayed and fraying relationships.

Anthony Marra uses interlocking stories to create a rich Russian landscape that spans a century.

Dutchman Gerbrand Bakker is establishing a foothold as a major European writer.

China Miéville latest collection of stories turns the known world upside down to terrifying effect.

Junichiro Tanizaki's short fiction is a walk on the odd side, featuring a cat, a student dictator and a foot fetishist.

Vila-Matas' latest translated novel is a voyage into self, art and literature with a gimpy happy ending.

Algerian journalist Kamel Daoud beats incredible odds in re-imagining Camus' "The Stranger."

Aleksandar Hemon takes a sincere crack at screwball comedy, but he swings and misses.

Regina Ullmann's stories, finally translated into English, are creations of other-worldly grace.