Dark tales of unhappy couplings

Somewhat like the fictional Carrie Bradshaw of "Sex and the City," the real-life Neil LaBute is an astute chronicler of modern-day relationships. But where Carrie veered toward the romantic comedy side of life, LaBute takes a sharp turn in the other direction, delving into the darker aspects.

LaBute is well-known for his films (including "In the Company of Men" and "Your Friends & Neighbors)" and his plays ("bash" and "The Shape of Things").


In "Seconds of Pleasure," his debut short-story collection, LaBute offers 20 vignettes about failed relationships. The cynical tone is consistent with his previous works, but even if you don't like his message, he's an excellent storyteller.


All the stories are quick, easy reads. The main characters, mostly but not exclusively male, range in age from fresh-out-of-college to late middle age. With each character-narrator, LaBute creates a fresh and compelling voice.


LaBute creates dialogue that is believable and natural. He also has an engaging narrative style, starting his stories in the middle of situations and then gradually revealing context, which creates surprising twists and challenges readers' preconceptions.


The majority of stories here are, predictably, about unhappy couples in unhappy relationships. Some are haunting in their banality -- for instance, a husband panicking when his car won't start and he's stuck in a strip-club parking lot. Others are more biting, such as "Maraschino," in which a woman seduces a man from her past.


"Seconds of Pleasure" does what LaBute does best -- it exposes us to our ability to mask truths from ourselves and to proffer endless excuses for our actions.