a unique concept frames richard foreman's 'wilful misunderstandings', a collection of short stories from lepus books. in each of these thirty-four tales the author takes a word, phrase or saying, twisting it into a new meaning, and by extension a new reality. the stories that emerge extend across a diverse stylistic range through sci-fi, adventure, crime, romance, horror, folk tale and magic realism. the many worlds of 'wilful misunderstandings' can be rampantly surrealistic at times, not so very different from our own at others. a 'parapet' becomes a beast assigned as a familiar to would-be mystics. if you go out and 'stretch your legs' you come home taller. 'accolade' is a drink that gives you a pat on the back. but in each tale, readers will meet engaging characters in intriguing situations - some humorous, some perilous, some with deep emotional resonance.