Set in the daily mundane, Soft Serve is a collection of short stories that intricately empathize with the peculiarities of everyday life and personal relationships. New generation writer and punk-rock musician Allison Graves stuns with this humane collection of short fiction released Sept. 2023.
Composed of short stories, Soft Serve features the struggles of loss, work and conflicting emotions. This causes the main character of each story to reevaluate their everyday relationships, attachments and interactions.
Soft Serve leaves readers grappling with the recognizable uncertainty that accompanies new phases or challenges in life. From complicated friendships, to divorce or open relationships, Graves describes familiar feelings, emotional whirlwinds and all-consuming sensations.
The book’s cast is a swirl of flawed people. Some characters search for meaning while indulging their bad habits, while others deal with insecurities enhanced by their surroundings.
Graves’ beautifully simple descriptions of the characters watching television, spending time with friends or lounging with their partners produce a sense of relatability. These are moments where real conversations unfold about how the characters find belonging in their relationships.
In ‘It’s Getting Dark Out,’ Emily questions her sexuality following a homoerotic friendship and tries to understand why people put on fake appearances. Meanwhile in ‘Winter Salad,’ graduate student Jill seeks validation from a thesis advisor bending the boundaries of their working relationship by writing a shocking story for him.
In a raw and truth-driven manner, Graves also dissects unhealthy relationships, examining how these bonds remain intact despite people’s actions.
‘No Man’s Land,’ one of the final chapters, is a modern retelling of Adam and Eve. Graves challenges readers to explore the classic tale’s double standards through main character Beverly, who is coerced to take drugs alongside Steve, her longtime best friend and romantic interest.
Incorporating metaphors, double entendres and symbolism, Graves leaves readers pleasantly surprised when the stories come together. Although conversations and dialogue seem momentarily vague, the finished storylines fit together like a puzzle.
Soft Serve’s storylines and character flaws evoke a sense of understanding between readers and words, leaving an undeniable emotional impact. The book is a tremendous web of human connection and a must-read for those stuck in a haze of understanding their own network of complex relationships.
The writer of this article received a press copy of the book for review.
Featured graphic by Alisha Velji/the Charlatan.
