The Cusp of Something by Jai Clare

When reading a new collection of short stories, especially one so widely varied as Jai Clare’s The Cusp of Something, it is difficult to know how to describe it in terms of genre. Some of the work is truly macabre, laced with hints of horror and dark fantasy, some of it openly erotic; the author herself describes her stories as literary fiction, but hers is a voice so unique, and honestly refreshing, that it is necessary to sample the writing before making any kind of assumption about it.

The Cusp of Something is a collection of twenty-five short stories about those dissatisfied with some element of their lives, ranging from beautifully delicate little tales of parental sacrifice, to disturbing and violent snapshots of loss and sexual discovery. The lyrical quality of the writing gives a unique poetic air to the selections and adds beauty to even the darkest tale.

The collection opens with “Balloons,” a story about love, loss, and disillusionment. This beautifully written tale is filled with vivid descriptions and colours daubed on the page like paint, giving the ethereal tone a solid grounding and drawing the reader right in.

Next up, “Ramblista” is about two cousins who grew up as sisters—close, but fiercely competitive. Now nearing the end of their highly adventurous lives, the cousins are being interviewed by Mathew Finch, a researcher hired to confirm certain facts about them. This story is one of the winners of the collection. With well developed characters, an exciting plot, and a truly profound ending, “Ramblista” is a joy to read.

“The Ruins of Lutz” is a bit of a disappointment. Although well written, the story is obscure and something of a let down. A brother and sister spend their lives in search of the ruins of a lost city to satisfy the sister’s obsession. On finding them, the siblings each face their own life-changing experiences. Clare portrays a disturbing relationship between the protagonists of the tale but fails to develop the full potential of this interesting thread, choosing instead to focus on insubstantial metaphors which lack impact.

One story which does not lack impact, however, is “Eyes Like Water, Like Ice.” In this chilling little tale about sacrifice and devotion, Clare builds tension slowly and expertly, then hits the reader with the horrifying truth suddenly and gleefully. A shocking little vignette well worth the read.

If “Eyes Like Water, Like Ice” was an outing for Clare’s darker style, “More Moments of Sheer Joy” is a wonderful example of her erotic writing. In it, a woman decides to leave behind her daughter and husband to travel around the world, touring the globe’s islands in order to raise money for charity. Frustrated and sexually dissatisfied, she becomes increasingly aware of the attractive and arousing men on her journey, and she considers allowing her fantasies to become reality. At once erotic and subtle, “More Moments of Sheer Joy” is a truly enchanting tale of desire and passion.

In “Mad Angels,” the reader is introduced to a certain subculture within society. Totally fascinating, with disturbing and yet quite refreshing scenes of violence and sex, this story should be totally out of place in this collection, sort of like a high society lady doing a striptease at a tea party, but surprisingly, it works. “Mad Angels” is like a splash of cold water, varying the tone of the collection and showing what Clare is capable of.

This collection sees several stories using the second person quite successfully, and “The Sweetest Skin,” a story about vanity and emptiness, is an example of how well it can work. Using delicate images throughout, undercut with a subtle hint of venom in the speaker’s tone, the final image is, despite being masked in beauty, truly horrific. A delicate balance well struck, Clare creates a story that resonates with the reader long after it ends.

“Vanitas” is another erotic piece. Obscure and ethereal, it is split into sections, giving snapshots of the protagonist’s life—much like the cartoon boxes in which she draws images of her characters. Ultimately, we piece together a picture of desire, loneliness, fear, and emptiness. The characterisation is wonderful; Lindy is a truly inspired creation.

One of Clare’s talents lies in knowing when to use delicate poetic language and when a story calls for the macabre, as demonstrated in “Moth Dust,” a tale filled with wonderfully descriptive, horrifying images that envelop the reader to create a sense of claustrophobia and loss of control. In only two pages, Clare builds up a sense of the suffocating dread, fear, and desperation that descend upon her main character so effectively that it leaves you gasping for air. Definitely my favourite of the collection, both for its sense of atmosphere and beautiful little lines like: “Slicing her pupil in two, like a knife into hardened eggs.”

It would be unfair to comment on only the best of the collection, though, and so in the interests of presenting a balanced view, I turn my attention to “Aftermath,” one of the weaker offerings of an otherwise very enjoyable collection. This is an obscure little tale about a woman who has been lied to so often that she finds herself unable to trust or love anymore. While the language is beautiful, and the descriptions at times particularly vivid, the plot seems lacking, and in the end, it feels slightly hollow.

Still, all in all, this is a collection well worth the time to read. Varied, unique, and thoroughly enjoyable, Clare’s work constantly surprises and consistently delights.

Publisher: Elastic Press (Oct. 2007)
Price: $12.38
Paperback: 200 pages
ISBN: 0955318130