Tender Cuts
If Joy Williams and Raymond Carver had a love child that was often left in the care of Lydia Davis it might grow up to be Jayne Martin. Martin’s writing evokes the literary DNA of those who have influenced her most, while in a style and voice that is uniquely her own.
In these 38 tiny tales, everyday people do their best to manage the wounds life inflicts on all of us: A six-year-old beauty pageant contestant strives to please her demanding mother; a woman marries a 1985 Buick LeSabre; in a laundromat bored wives fall under the romantic spell of a lobster; a grown woman is still being fat-shamed by her deceased mother via a Ouija board; a widow carries her husband’s ashes around in Baggies.
With pathos and humor, these and all of the characters in this collection will speak to the reader’s own wounded heart.
Title: Tender Cuts
Author: Jayne Martin
Genre: Flash Fiction
Hardcover: 92 pages
Publisher: Vine Leaves Press
Publishing Date: 11/04/2019
Language: English
ISBN: 1925965244
ISBN-13: 978-1925965247
My Review
In the brevity of flash fiction lies an author's challenge to evoke a reader's thoughts and emotions, while artfully creating complex, synthesized literature pieces.
Martin's collection of flash fiction stories Tender Cuts range from everyday instances and places throughout different ages, moments and walks of life. While some stories created sweet nostalgia of the past, others examined a path of indifference, or on the contrary, a deep, sorrow, hurt.
There is something to be found for every reader in these powerful nuggets. Though I am partial to many of the stories, The Elephant Roars was one of my favorites.
I love Martin's talent to paint the unsaid, giving voice to the mute: A turmoil of the mind, the imagination of a child, hapless misfortunes, forgone dreams, numbed consumption, love's tribulations, or unrealized potential. All of these have crossed our paths and perhaps our minds at some point in life. The imperfections of one's own experiences, vulnerabilities or volitions make these stories relatable and thought-provoking.
I found the title of the collection very fitting. As much as I tried to pay attention and pinpoint Martin's word choice to deliver the stab, it had already been done. Like a bandaid ripped off before the end of a count or a silent papercut, I did not feel the painful pangs in my chest but with delay till after deliverance.
I am left stirred and touched by the profound words of a talented writer. As a reader, this is what I live for.
I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions are my own. Thank you kindly.
