Description

Book Synopsis

Now adapted into major film, Certain Women, starring Kristen Stewart and Michelle Williams

Caught between opposing forces - fidelity and desire, impulse and security, innocence and experience - these unforgettable characters have each reached a fork in the road. But what kind of fool only wants it one way?

Funny, sly and sparkling with energy, Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It confirms Maile Meloy as an enthralling storyteller.



Trade Review
Brilliant. * * Helen Fielding * *
Meloy's style is as fresh and brisk as an ocean breeze. * * Sunday Times * *
Clever, calm, funny . . . absolutely compulsive. * * Daily Telegraph * *
Meloy writes wonderfully well. * * Guardian * *
A true and rare find. * * Richard Ford * *
Moving, compassionate and amusing. * * Daily Mail * *
She's such a talented and unpredictable writer that I'm officially joining her fan club. * * Guardian * *
Meloy writes with both fearlessness and true compassion, two talents that are rarely combined. -- Ann Patchett on LIARS AND SAINTS
Meloy writes elegantly and precisely, never wasting a word...a terrific read. -- Time Out on Meloy's HALF IN LOVE
Meloy is able to give convincing voice to a huge range of characters...and she harnesses skilfully the power of the untold secrets that underlie the story. -- Guardian on Meloy's LIARS AND SAINTS
Wise, witty and beautifully written -- Helen Fielding on LIARS AND SAINTS
The opening story in this deft collection could be Annie Proulx, while the last recalls Tobias Wolff . . . Maile Meloy has a range and flexibility well beyond her years . . . There is an exactitude and simplicity to these assured and beautifully constructed stories, which are often told from the perspective of those who lack much authority over their lives. * * Observer * *
One of the best of our contemporary short-story writers, Maile Meloy's star is rapidly rising - and this brilliant collection shows why. * * Sunday Business Post * *
Meloy has such a sure handle in what to leave out. Her style is impressively unshowy: it's not even showily unshowy, not seeing the need to draw attention to its pared-down restraint. * * London Review of Books * *

Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It

    Product form

    £9.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 26 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Maile Meloy

    3 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It by Maile Meloy

      Publisher: Canongate Books
      Publication Date: 04/03/2010
      ISBN13: 9781847674166, 978-1847674166
      ISBN10: 184767416X

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Now adapted into major film, Certain Women, starring Kristen Stewart and Michelle Williams

      Caught between opposing forces - fidelity and desire, impulse and security, innocence and experience - these unforgettable characters have each reached a fork in the road. But what kind of fool only wants it one way?

      Funny, sly and sparkling with energy, Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It confirms Maile Meloy as an enthralling storyteller.



      Trade Review
      Brilliant. * * Helen Fielding * *
      Meloy's style is as fresh and brisk as an ocean breeze. * * Sunday Times * *
      Clever, calm, funny . . . absolutely compulsive. * * Daily Telegraph * *
      Meloy writes wonderfully well. * * Guardian * *
      A true and rare find. * * Richard Ford * *
      Moving, compassionate and amusing. * * Daily Mail * *
      She's such a talented and unpredictable writer that I'm officially joining her fan club. * * Guardian * *
      Meloy writes with both fearlessness and true compassion, two talents that are rarely combined. -- Ann Patchett on LIARS AND SAINTS
      Meloy writes elegantly and precisely, never wasting a word...a terrific read. -- Time Out on Meloy's HALF IN LOVE
      Meloy is able to give convincing voice to a huge range of characters...and she harnesses skilfully the power of the untold secrets that underlie the story. -- Guardian on Meloy's LIARS AND SAINTS
      Wise, witty and beautifully written -- Helen Fielding on LIARS AND SAINTS
      The opening story in this deft collection could be Annie Proulx, while the last recalls Tobias Wolff . . . Maile Meloy has a range and flexibility well beyond her years . . . There is an exactitude and simplicity to these assured and beautifully constructed stories, which are often told from the perspective of those who lack much authority over their lives. * * Observer * *
      One of the best of our contemporary short-story writers, Maile Meloy's star is rapidly rising - and this brilliant collection shows why. * * Sunday Business Post * *
      Meloy has such a sure handle in what to leave out. Her style is impressively unshowy: it's not even showily unshowy, not seeing the need to draw attention to its pared-down restraint. * * London Review of Books * *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account