V. Moore and her generation should give us all hope
for the future of humanity. A promising newcomer, this self-described alt-girl
has re-choreographed the traditional mating dance for a new century, and while
not exactly reinventing sex itself, brings a refreshing open-mindedness and
casual maturity long lacking in many so-called “adult” discussions of the
subject. Sex among today’s youth is not some tortured metaphor for life, nor is
it some dirty little secret to be euphemized and talked around, set on some
ineffably sacred pedestal, closeted, hidden or compartmentalized from the rest
of existence. It is what it is, a normal aspect of being, seamlessly integrated
into the fabric of everyday reality, to be spoken of as naturally as one speaks
of the weather. This trio of short stories—surprisingly good, ultimately
rewarding—offers a furtive glimpse into the erotic minds of contemporary
twentysomethings—and we are the richer for being allowed to look.
Moore’s stories are understated, realistic, and straightforward. She effectively occupies the
minds and bodies of her characters—both male and female—to reveal authentic
emotion and internal conflict without resort to florid simile or pretentious
homiletic asides. These three tales are loosely interconnected, populated by an
extended circle of acquaintances, friends and lovers, easily referencing one
another. Each story is a little slice of life, a sharply focused vignette
depicting the most seemingly mundane moments of workaday life, mined for their
erotic potential. A young man buying office supplies fantasizes about the cute
clerk who waits on him (Ten Reams).
Another guy waits nervously in a coffee shop for a meeting with his ex (Nude and Tattooed); and later, the ex
gives us her side of the story Rashamon-like
(Illustrated Woman).
At its best, Moore’s writing is taut,
weightless; unburdened by superfluous ornament. The narrative is succinct and
well-organized, flowing with a pleasing natural rhythm. At times though, the
texts are troubled with a number of glaring editorial flaws, and the careless
bandying about of stale “porn-o-centric” clichés. (Why must every
mention of bodily parts come with the same gratuitous adjectives? Why
repeatedly modify anatomical description with words like huge, long, fat,
thick, round, throbbing, hot or wet? Why not allow the reader to use some
imagination every once in a while?)
Such easily-fixable concerns aside, after reading each story several times, I must confess myself thoroughly entertained, enlightened, impressed, and pleasantly turned on. Who could ask for better?
TAS
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