Posted by 4ofSwords 4 years ago Report

For those skipping ahead to the end of the imaginary book to see how much more of this you'll have to endure, I think this chapter pushes us right past the 2/3rds mark.

Posted by Astronommy 4 years ago Report

It's *that* far along already? It makes sense that concentrated greatness like this cannot be sustained indefinitely, and I was the one bemoaning its announced overall length, but it has been such a wonderful ride! At least for the likes of me, the micro-chapter approach has worked wonders neutralizing the fear of long format literature!

Posted by Astronommy 4 years ago Report

This one is pure excellence in its razor-sharp focus, and intensity. I read in while one a noisy, crowded evening commute, being stuck in an awkward pose, and this chapter still made me choke up a little; perhaps it will hit those who've had firsthand experience of having their passionate creative effort turn out to be a liability, but I'm sure it would move all but the coldest of hearts!

The loving descriptions of the Oscar Meyer costume -- by the narration, and by Claire herself -- winds up the spring so tightly, before it is released at the end there. And it's a proper tragedy: Claire's eager to follow up on her trollish triumph, and operating within the framework the two have been working to determine together, and Adam is defending his sense of self-worth that is owed largely to his one big splash of success in the world, outside of his loyalty to his family; their little two-actor plays may have been great for him enjoying and making peace with his size at home, but outside, he is still painfully insecure about being seen as less than a person.

Conversely, Adam not only rebukes the embodiment of countless hours of love and labor from his mate, but also throws her mind back to the idea of being an embarrassing mistress who must be concealed from the people, dragging into the pits Claire's confidence in their relationship dynamic being real and trusted to work by both of them.

And feeling it all come to a climax in the chapter is like being bitten and stung by all of Australia's venomous snakes and spiders at once, if only for a few moments.

The costume design is outstanding, though! The handles, the safety fastenings, the emergency access hatch, it's all priceless, and although one might suspect this marvel to come up again for a grand encore, but barring that it would have deserved to be in a museum of some sort!

Posted by 4ofSwords 4 years ago Report

Thanks! This and the following chapters were the hardest to write, for sure.

Personally, I can see why Adam wouldn't want to be a hot dog. But on the other hand, if there was a Claire who wanted me to be, I might just swallow that shred of pride...

Posted by Astronommy 4 years ago Report

The appeal is there, definitely!

Posted by Astronommy 4 years ago Report

Oh, and I forgot to add that Claire's oscillation between accepting the blame and the urge to blame Adam in her last responses was produced enough tension to snap every support cable of The Golden Gate Bridge. Terrifyingly life-like!