Foreign Service Tales

by William S. Shepard

Foreign Service Tales, a collection of twenty short stories mostly set in American Embassies abroad, celebrates the diplomatic life. This is a community, with traditions and hierarchy, and there are stories about each Foreign Service specialty within an American Embassy. From a new Commercial Officer’s discovery of exotic local customs to an Ambassador’s celebratory glass of champagne, each tale offers insights for those considering a Foreign Service career. Drawbacks include missed promotions, status seekers and political appointees after what seem to be cushy jobs. That background also creates in Foreign Service Tales settings for love, jealousy, extortion and murder.

Paperback

First published October 27, 2002