Almeida (South Asian studies, New York U. and English, Fairfield U., Connecticut) begins by examining bereavement theory as propounded by leading psychoanalysts and psychotherapists, and placing their findings against the behavior of characters depicted in short fiction by writers from varying cultural backgrounds. Then she offers textual analysis of world-renowned short fiction, looking at gender differences in mourning, religio-cultural expectations regarding loss and grief, and measuring loss. Distributed in the US by Associated University Presses. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR