Life on the edge in Crux captures the raw essence of teenage ambition and friendship against a backdrop of stark desert landscapes. This novel by Gabriel Tallent, author of the acclaimed My Absolute Darling, delves into the world of trad rock climbing with precision and passion.
A Tale of Two Teenagers in a Desert Town
Tamma and Dan are seventeen-year-old best friends navigating the challenges of growing up in a California desert town marked by economic hardship and social isolation. Their lives are defined by poverty and family struggles, but they find solace and purpose in their shared love for rock climbing. With minimal gear and boundless determination, they scale boulders and cliffs, from abandoned parking lots to remote national park trails.
Exquisite Sports Writing and Vivid Descriptions
Tallent's prose shines in its detailed portrayal of climbing, capturing every subtle movement and the unforgiving nature of the sport. The language of climbing, rich with insider jargon, adds authenticity, while descriptions of landscapes are poetic and immersive. From granite surfaces to desert roads adorned with lilies and tarantulas, the setting becomes a character in itself.
Tamma: A Charismatic Yet Implausible Heroine
Tamma emerges as a standout character—a snaggletoothed, foul-mouthed, and big-hearted urchin with dreams of climbing dangerous routes and living unconventionally. Her wit and charm defy the stereotypes imposed by mean-spirited adults, though her sophistication and resilience sometimes stretch believability, casting her as a manic pixie dream girl figure.
Weaknesses in Plot and Character Development
While Tamma captivates, Dan's character struggles to resonate. His internal conflict between pursuing climbing or attending college feels contrived, as the obvious compromise of doing both is never considered, leading to repetitive agonising. Similarly, his mother Alexandra, a former literary prodigy turned depressive, delivers monologues that serve more to manipulate the plot than deepen her character.
From Majesty to Mediocrity
Crux oscillates between moments of literary brilliance and narrative mediocrity, occasionally dipping into bathos. For readers enchanted by Tallent's sports writing and Tamma's charisma, these flaws may be overlooked. However, those seeking tight plotting might find the novel's B-movie elements disappointing.
Published by Fig Tree, Crux offers a passionate glimpse into teenage life and climbing culture, but its unconvincing plot points may leave some readers wanting more.
