Small Claims

by Jill Ciment

small claims

197 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Jill Ciment was born in Montreal, Canada. She is the author of Small Claims, a collection of short stories and novellas; The Law of Falling Bodies, Teeth of the Dog, The Tattoo Artist, and Heroic Measures, novels; and Half a Life, a memoir. She has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts, a NEA Japan Fellowship Prize, two New York State Fellowships for the Arts, the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Ciment is a professor at the University of Florida. She lives with her husband, Arnold Mesches, in Gainesville, Florida and Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Colton Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

My yearlong journey to read everything Jill Ciment has written begins with this, a collection of (seemingly interconnected) short stories and a novella.

The three opening stories (each very short) are a bit repetitive and seem to cover much of the same thematic ground, but they are still odd and memorable.

The title story was my favorite, offering a fresh perspective on the “starving artist” trope that I found funny and endearing. Watching the main character stumble her way through the minor inconveniences of modern life was a highlight for me.

The closing novella fell back into familiar territory, showing a down-on-her-luck scammer and her circle of acquaintances and frenemies. It was fine but nothing to write home about.

Already, I can see signs of Ciment’s future genius: well-observed moments told honestly and in a straightforward, ultimately funny manner.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few minor pleasures (albeit repetitive ones) toward the beginning of the collection, followed by the sizable title piece that really floundered for me. That said, the closing “Money” makes this one worth seeking out if you long for a vibe that’s along the lines of older Joy Williams.