“There is love found within, in all its complicated configurations; relentlessly stalked by its opposing partner-pain. Relationships are spliced open by the sharp blade of poetry, exposing them from within, guts and all. It is up to the characters to put themselves back together again, as best they can.”

Renowned poet Tom Corbin is as much a presence as he is a person. His body of work speaks for him so he doesn’t have to. Half the work of building up the perception of himself in other people’s minds is taken care for him. It’s in large part a reason why his old friend Paul Bishop admires him so much; the ability to express his hard-earned internal thoughts with such artistic flourish being a quality he himself wished he possessed.

Corbin’s visit to the University of Nevada at Reno—where Paul instructs hopeless freshmen in the dying discipline of essay writing —for a poetry reading strikes Paul as an odd choice. Upon his arrival, Corbin’s ulterior motives behind his visit are betrayed by his bizarre behaviour. He reveals a secret hidden behind a request for permission and forgiveness. Not knowing that the choice that weighed heavy on his soul would soon become his undoing.

Spoiler-Free Plot

Despite the stereotype that he was—tortured poet, serial philander with a preference for women much younger than himself, selfish to boot—Tom Corbin was loved by his friend Paul, wife Susan, and son Jack. Without certainty, they would be the ones who grieved him most after he was gone. The unexpected was the how and the when.

He had planned to leave them behind in his past, for a future with someone else but his plans were foiled by a stranger who would stain the lives of those closest to him by the decision made one afternoon out in Lone Pine, California.

When Susan calls Paul enquiring about Tom’s whereabouts, the urgency in her voice moves him deeply. Against his better judgement, he makes himself available to her, offering up his time and effort towards any task she may need an extra hand to accomplish.

He lies to himself about his motives, convinced of his altruistic service. He wants nothing more than to protect her from the unsavory details of Tom’s secret activities. To take care of her and her son, gaining nothing in return.

As their relationship progresses the pair dare to ask more from each other than what they each think they deserve. Entrenched in love and grief, their loyalties are tested through the unfolding of circumstances beyond their control. Perseverance becomes a much harder choice than deciding to let go of everything completely.

My Take on A Moment’s Surrender

On the topic of accessibility discussed in relation to Corbin’s poetry, the first part of this book is bold with the challenge it poses towards its readers. While I’d like to think every artwork aims for inclusively, the long, drawn-out exposition into Corbin’s background would intimidate many, even those who consider themselves lovers of the discipline.

An initial thought that might crop up is that these details might hinder the progression of the plot, that they are unnecessary in the grand scheme of the characters’ story arcs. That may well be true. But an alternative perspective would be to consider it a test from the author, and from the book itself.

Yes, the book must prove itself to you, the reader, which it is more than willing to do, but it expects the same from you in return. Once you offer it what is prequired—with the proof of your dedication in the turned pages, a stack of chapters left behind you—the story opens itself up to its reader completely, entrusting you with the true complexities of its characters whose actions and emotions are described so profoundly, your own feelings will be held at ransom by theirs; no matter how far removed they may be from your own reality.

From Paul’s persistent shame, to Susan’s despair over her fast-approching death, Jack’s stoic facade masking sheer terror at the prospect of losing his last remaining parent, Rachel Lake’s misery and Tom Corbin’s inner conflict. A gamut of parasitic emotions, all feeding off their source of nutrition: love.

The snapshot of humanity captured is exhibited in gory detail, culminating in what I consider to be a haunting yet beautiful tale.

Age Rating

18 years and above

Content Warning

Abortion, Death, Foul Language, Infidelity, Severe Illness (Cancer), Sexual Themes, Substance Abuse, Suicide.

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