  The structure of the light proton and neutron rich nuclei is studied in a
microscopic multicluster model using the stochastic variational method. This
approach enables us to describe the weakly bound nature of these nuclei in a
consistent way. Applications for various nuclei $^{6-9}$Li, $^7$Be, $^8$B,
$^9$C, $^{9-10}$Be, $^{9-10}$B presented. The paper discusses the relation of
this model to other models as well as the possible extension for p and sd shell
nuclei.
