Quicksilver

Susan Patrick is a librarian at Ryerson University in Toronto.

The title story in this first collection is very much a poet’s short
story—multi-layered and full of poetic illusions and quotes. Centring
on the relationship between two woman poets, the story is a meditation
on the nature of artistic creation (poetry, painting, dance). Like
quicksilver, the definition of art is elusive, and the relationship
between its creation and its reception is fraught with tension, as is
the relationship between the two women.

Quicksilver might also apply to the fleeting nature of happiness, a
recurring theme in this collection. Many of the stories feature
characters who wistfully look back on earlier, happier times and
contemplate relationships destroyed by infidelities, alcoholism,
selfishness, disease or death. Though moving and full of poetic imagery
and effective word pictures, these stories may leave the reader feeling
somewhat drained.