First published in 1999, Antarctica marked the stunning debut of Claire Keegan, now regarded as one of the finest short story writers working today. In this haunting and emotionally charged collection, Keegan delivers a series of precise, powerful stories that unflinchingly explore desire, betrayal, isolation, and moral ambiguity.

In the title story, a married woman ventures away from her domestic life to pursue an illicit encounteronly to face consequences more chilling than she imagined. Across these stories, Keegan weaves narratives where everyday choices lead to unexpected and often devastating outcomes. Her prose is exacting and spare, yet rich with unspoken tensions and complex inner lives.

Antarctica is not for the faint of heart. These stories probe the darker edges of human behavior with a quiet intensity that lingers long after the final page.