A review by Piper Mejia
There is an art to crafting a short story, and the skill of a writer is never more revealed than when their bent is drawn towards the darker side of human nature. Remains to be Told: Dark Tales of Aotearoa is an anthology inspired and curated by international award-winning horror writer Lee Murray. In turn, each short story and poem challenges the reader to reflect on the decisions made in strengthening or unravelling the relationships we have with friends and family at the expense of what we want for ourselves. This study of human nature is raw and unforgiving in exposing the lack of simple acts of kindness or consideration leading to unforeseen consequences. Not merely moralistic fables, these tales of horror weave in our stoic ‘Kiwi’ nature to get on with the hard yards and face the consequences of our actions.
The anthology begins with the slow building tension of a son exceeding his father’s expectations in “Spare the Rod” by Dan Rabarts. Set in rural Aotearoa, the birthday boy is set to work in the rain; no complaints, no remonstration or protestation while there’s a job to get done. A son any father should be proud of. Likewise, the dutiful daughter of “The Watchman” by Kirsten McKenzie, voices no objection when expected to look after her little sister at the fair. Neither story appears inherently terrifying, with comforting settings, familiar activities, and recognisable relationships revealing the horror of inaction.
Unlike most anthologies, Remains to be Told includes poetry by Celine Murray, William Cook, Tim Jones, and Neil Gaiman. While Murray interweaves Māori mythology with the elements, to bring a visceral consumption to the page, Cook, Jones and Gaiman have all used the hunger of the sea as a metaphor for loss and regret. Like a short, sharp, shock to the system the poetry gives no rest or respite to the reader to recharge their calm before being swept into the dark once again.
Some stories hurt to read from the first line, never letting up as they wring you out to the last line. “Dead End Town” by Lee Murray is such a story. It is hard to read about abuse, and child abuse is even worse. You want the victim to become the survivor, to have justice served. It is what we expect in the movies, but it is not what we experience in real life—which is why, despite its elements of magical realism, this story does not let up; it forces the reader to acknowledge that for too many victims of abuse there is no ending to make the hurt fade away.
The collection ends with two ghost stories: “Her Ghosts” by Tracie McBride and “What Bones These Tides Bring” by Nikky Lee. These twist traditional tales where the ghosts are malevolent spirits sent to haunt us into righting wrongs or repenting damned deeds. Rather, they are more pragmatic phantasias, refusing to relent to the state of powerlessness in worlds that have lost their way.
Anthologies are a fantastic way to dip into new authors or have a short visit with authors we know well. They are also a way to showcase the talent of a country (Aotearoa), and become time capsules to issues and events linked to beyond the page. There is enough to share, revisit and leave you thinking long after you place this Remains to be Told to your collection of fiction.
With kind support by Creative New Zealand, Remains to be Told: Dark Tales of Aotearoa is available from Clan Destine Press, Australia. Releases 1 October 2023.
Pre-order your copy here: https://www.clandestinepress.net/products/remains-to-be-told