Ana Linden

There are no villains and no heroes, only people caught in a pivotal moment of their existence. Nothing is absolute, no one is only good or entirely evil. One’s life course can be deviated in an instant, and choices are often made instinctively, unconsciously, not only rationally, under socially acceptable terms. Imperfect, damaged characters struggle with their duality and evolution. Their reactions are the product of violence, physical and emotional abuse, neurosis, depression, but also of love, hope and melancholy. Fear is what they all have in common.

The past leaves visible painful scars, which determine present behaviour varying from melancholic introspection and nostalgia, to escapism, claustration, hatred and violence. Some of the characters portrayed in the six short stories are deeply marred by trauma and fear, but also motivated by hope and love. Understanding and forgiveness are part of life, just like murder, rape, deception, crime and punishment.

Ambivalence is prevalent. Violence can bring people together as an act of love and support; but its victims rarely stand a chance to thrive. Betrayal can make a relationship stronger; but the people it separates don’t always find their way back to each other. Childish simplicity is magical, but deconstructed childhood myths lose their charm, and not all children have a chance to enjoy a carefree life, protected by their parents. “Albatross” is a world of lost innocence, populated with common, complex people torn between their dual nature and the relativism of their values. Even behind ghastly, mortifying acts there are relatable reasons, and the focus is on those weaknesses and feelings triggering such behaviour. Existence is a balancing act and everyone is one false move away from disaster and darkness.