The most positive thing about this set of tales is this, it is positively morose. Taking a very jaded, cynical view of life, sharply bitter vignettes skewer romance and religion alike.

The author's view of love is rather Freudian, only more so than even Freud dared be and her view of Jesus Christ is one that brings to mind the protests against Christianity on the basis of the Inquisition or Crusades.