It is 1971 and Charles, a nine-year-old English boy flies to America on PanAm with his mother and American father. His parents are having marital difficulties and will be leaving him with his paternal grandmother (whom he must call Lillian, never Grandma) for ten days.

Beautifully observed with a believable child narrator and vivid yet effortless period detail, this is a story that offers a poignant 'moment' in a lonely young child's life as he finds companionship with two star-crossed hotel workers.

A lonely Polish widow sits in her flat with no one for company but her fat feline companion – Boris the Cat. It is near Christmas and she remembers past holidays with Boris (the Husband). An unexpected encounter changes everything when her Pakistani neighbour invites her for a special meal.

This is a light, funny story in Lewycka's characteristic whimsical style. At its heart, however, it is also a keenly observed examination of ageing, loneliness and the unexpected joy of having prejudices disproved.

A troubled young boy is haunted by the loss of his brother. When he develops a dangerous infatuation with his new teacher, and follows her home one night, his fantasies and hidden desires set in motion a series of events that will cost everyone dear.

This is a dark twist on the traditional coming of age tale.