Occasionally The Paris Review publishes a short story or selection that simply justifies the entire year's subscription. Such was true reading David Szalay's Lascia Amor e siegui Marte. I found the story relevant and appealing, potentially because I spent years editing and publishing material and continue authoring a technical column. But I suspect there was more at work; I also appreciated the protagonist's professional struggles and pressures. I so enjoyed the story I made my spouse read and then discuss the short story's wonderful undertones and lessons.