The Emperor of Elam, and other stories

This collection gathers a dozen short pieces that wander through ordinary lives and unexpected moments, each stamped with a quiet wit and a hint of philosophical curiosity. The opening story, “Like Michael,” launches the listener into a playful meditation on how we compare ourselves to animals, gods, and strangers, setting a tone that balances humor with thoughtful observation. From a quiet summer afternoon in a studio to a mysterious emerald tied to distant conquests, the tales move from domestic scenes to fleeting glimmers of adventure, always anchored by characters who seem both ordinary and oddly luminous.

Across the volume, the narratives unfold at a gentle pace, allowing the listener to linger on each character’s small triumphs and quirks. Whether you’re following an unsuspecting couple through a mischievous elopement or watching a haunted bathhouse reveal its secrets, the stories invite you to reflect on the hidden dramas in everyday life. The result is a richly varied listening experience that feels both intimate and unexpectedly expansive.