Reviewed by Sasha Mackay
The Theory of Light and Matter is a compilation of thoughtful, absorbing short stories by American author Andrew Porter. Each story is told in first person, which makes them particularly engaging and often very relatable. In some, the narrator recalls and reassesses a moment experienced or decision made in the past; in others, men and women reveal and explore their emotional and moral struggles. There are ten stories, and all fit together perfectly in this anthology, united by the gentle tone of Porter’s writing and the deep, explorative nature of his narrators.
'Azul' is one particularly memorable story that demonstrates Porter’s tone and style. In 'Azul', Porter gives parenthood a unique slant and explores the struggle to balance it with friendship. Karen and Paul are a childless couple who decide to host an 18 year-old exchange student ‘for an adventure’, or ‘a distraction’ (30). Both respond to and fulfil the role of parent differently. For instance, Karen and Azul grow very close and often shop and drink together after school; Paul briefly wonders at the rightness of this, but eventually overrides his own misgivings because he craves a similar connection. Eager for Azul to like them and desperate not to appear ‘the bad guy’ in any situation, Karen and Paul do not set enough rules in place to protect him. Porter captures the joy and pain of parenthood beautifully through Paul’s voice; his sensitive, even narration makes this story especially emotive. 'Azul' was included in The Best American Short Stories anthology in 2007.
On the whole, the stories focus on relationships, either between friends, lovers, brothers, sisters, or children and their parents. Particularly notable is Porter’s way of taking relatively well-used subject matter and telling extraordinarily beautiful and moving stories. The genius of The Theory of Light and Matter is Porter’s ability to express emotion with such rawness and realness. This anthology will leave the reader thinking and feeling.
The Theory of Light and Matter
(2010)
by Andrew Porter
Text Publishing
ISBN: 9781921656057
192p AU$27.95