In A Ballet of Lepers Leonard Cohen explores themes that would come to permeate his later works - shame stemming from feelings of unworthiness; sexual desire, in all its sacred and profane dimensions; and longing, whether it be for love, family, freedom or transcendence. A haunting examination of these elements in tandem, this novel and stories are about toxic relationships and the lengths we go to maintain them.

Meditative and surprising, A Ballet of Lepers offers a playful, provocative and penetrating glimpse into the world-weary lives of Cohen's characters, and a window into the early art of a storytelling master.