Runaway is a collection of short stories written by Canadian author Alice Munro and published in 2004. The book is made up of eight interconnected stories which explore similar themes, story beats, as well as characters.
The first story in the collection, "Runaway," follows the life of a young woman named Carla, who runs away from her husband, Clark, with the help of her neighbor, Sylvia. The story explores Carla's feelings of entrapment in her marriage and her longing for freedom and self-discovery. As the story unfolds, Carla grapples with the consequences of her actions and the uncertainty of her future.
The second story, "Chance," centers on the relationship between two friends, Juliet and Penelope. The story explores the complexities of female friendship and how their past experiences shape who they currently are.
In "Soon," the third story, Munro delves into the life of a woman named Megan, who struggles to come to terms with her mother's death. As Megan navigates her grief, she reflects on how her mother's life and death have impacted her.
The fourth story, "Silence," is a haunting tale about a woman named Juliet who visits her former lover, Eric, after a long period of separation. The story explores regret, longing, and the inability to communicate one's deepest desires.
The fifth story, "Passion," follows the life of a woman named Grace who becomes involved with a married man. The story explores the complexities of love, desire, and the consequences of one's actions.
The sixth story, "Trespasses," centers on the relationship between a mother and daughter, Del and Chloe. The story explores the tension between Del's desire to protect her daughter and Chloe's need for independence and self-discovery.
The seventh story, "Tricks," tells the story of Robin, a young girl who becomes involved in a traveling carnival. The story explores childhood innocence, vulnerability, and the impact of Robin's childhood experiences on her adult life.
The final story, "Powers," is about a young girl named Nancy who becomes involved in a religious cult. The story explores themes of identity, power, and the dangers of blind faith.
