West of Rome

<p>West of Rome's two novellas My Dog Stupid and The Orgy fulfill the promise of their rousing titles. The latter novella opens with virtuoso description: His name was Frank Gagliano and he did not believe in God. He was that most singular and startling craftsman of the building trade-a left-handed bricklayer. Like my father Frank came from Torcella Peligna a cliff-hugging town in the Abruzzi. Lean as a spider he wore a leather cap and puttees the year around and he was so bowlegged a dog could lope between his knees without touching them.</p>