Abstract
Clutch Terrarium is a meta-framed hybrid collection of flash fiction and creative non-fiction, including micros. The work comprises several timeline arcs; certain threads making use (and a bit of a spectacle) of imagined potty-mouthed critics and their critiques, together with sweaty, industry-infused tellings, involving characters from marital relationships, embraced domestic vibes and cultures, anecdotes and opinions; all affecting family.
From the point of view of the main character, Leona, an astute yet confusing experience of Leona’s growing up adopted is laid out for the reader. While ‘getting stuff done’ as is inherent in her skill set, Leona seeks empathy (in regard to being an actual grown-up adoptee now, with all that that means) from sources she cares for; resents too, oftentimes. Themes of grief, complexity and distance are explored within a South Island urban setting, and travels are undertaken to other times and places, including a childhood spent in Franklin and fraught family trips to Russia.
Embodied in the mix of stories, plus threading through the most primary contemporary story overall, are our deepest and yet shallowest of concerns, for example: whether one's property frontage looks nice, goes with the neighbourhood and will not be too expensive.
Choice focal points of same invite the cussing entities (mentioned higher up) to intrude upon their elements, taking liberties. The foul-mouthed ones show the reader how they believe all the walls of a dwelling, including the fourth and even fifth walls, can only be there to put warm sun upon their backs, their fronts, and all sides taken and not taken.