Truly, madly, deeply

I Am an Executioner: Love Stories

Rajesh Parameswaran’s debut collection I Am an Executioner: Love Stories (Knopf, $24.95) has the power to change your definition of love. Throughout each story, love is so closely intertwined with other human emotions, that it becomes nearly unrecognizable. Parameswaran’s stories are reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s short works for adults. They are imaginative and rich in their prose, yet darkly humorous and at times stomach-turning. Each story is unique in its concept and process. In fact, the title describes the author well—he is a superb executioner of short fiction. This powerful collection is not for the faint of heart.