Rubik

• Author: E. Tan
  
• Title: Rubik
  
• Published: 2017
  
• List Reading Challenges 2018
  
• Monthly reading planning
• Trivia: Rubik was short listed by the Mascara Literary Review
• Mascara Avant-Garde Award 2018

 

Finished: 26.04.2018
Genre: 15 short stories
Rating: B
Review:

I read these stories in the train to Amsterdam.
I kept dozing off….but was not sure if
it was the writing or the fact that my alarm clock
got me out of bed at 04:30 AM.

I think it was the latter.

Weak point: The reader who is not digital savvy will
wonder what is Elisabeth Tan talking about?
“She Alt-Tabs to Indesign.
She toggles between serif and sans-serif body copy.
“Arch PDF’s the page …and sends it to Chris…”

Weak point: ironically many short stories are too, too long!

Strong point: These stories are filled with millennial’s
mischief and creativity. It is a sign of the times.
These stories offer the reader a new perspective in creative writing. The collection of interconnected narratives  mimics the shifting planes of a Rubik’s Cube. Characters appear and disappear. Clever….

Conclusion:
“Like when someone you know dies and several years
pass and technology advances.
It creates a new normal.”
Story: The Page Has Been Left Blank Intentionally
Are these stories an example of the new normal?

But I must in all fairness admit...The cover is a great visual that reflects the twisting/turning of events and characters in the stories.
It is quite an achievement to stay in control of the narrative and cast of characters (in different forms) as is done by Elisabeth Tan.

Last Thoughts:
This collection of short stories may appeal to others
but  personally I still prefer something more in a narrative.
Raymond Carver, William Trevor, Shirley Jackson give the reader a text
full of edges and silences, haunted by things not said,
not even to be guessed at.
#ReadTheBook by the new generation
…and decide for yourself.