The stories in this volume largely follow a format, as if they were musical variations on a theme. The stories all concern a languishing desert resort area in the future for artists and their wealthy patrons -Vermillion Sands. Each story is a first person recollection of a given narrator's stay in Vermillion Sands, and a specific, usually disasterous turn of events that involves an enchanting, more than likely psychotic femme fetale. The fantastic environment of the stories is filled with singing plants and sculptures, flying stingrays, intelligent, mood stimulated dwellings and clothing. It all feels very Helmut Newton, but in a good way. Beautifully written stuff, full of imagery that stays with you after you've put the book down.
***1/2 stars