Magic is dangerous. Power is dangerous.
What I like about this story is the shift in point of view from the witch to his familiar. This is an odd move. The story opens with the witch performing magic for a client, powerful magic that almost gets out of control. Then the point view switches after the witch discards his familiar.
The familiar, which I will speak about it vague terms (you just have to read the story to get Mieville’s eerie descriptions), begins to learn about itself and its surroundings. As it moves, it adds to itself, growing, becoming stronger and stranger.
Any D&D player worth their salt knows that when you call a familiar, you keep it close, you protect it. The familiar shares a spiritual and physical bond with the wizard, witch, or magic user that dares to call one to their side. This bond strengthens the magic user and the familiar is raised from common to something more.
This story is a strange one, but it reminds me how much I love fantastical and weird fiction. I think that this story proves that Mieville deserves placement among the likes of Ligotti, Derleth, Lovecraft.
Find it! Read it!
Mieville, China. “Familiar.” Looking for Jake. New York: Del Rey, 2005. p. 79 - 96
6.27.2007
THE SCHOOL by Donald Barthelme
This is tough story. It is short and surreal. It begins, “Well, we had all these children out planting trees, see, because we figured that …that was part of their education, to see how you know, the root systems …and also the sense of responsibility, taking care of things, being individually responsible.” Then every thing goes wrong.
A list of what dies in this story: 30 orange trees, all the snakes, the herb garden, the gerbils, the puppy named Edgar, a salamander, tropical fish, a Korean orphan, parents, lots of grandparents, Matthew Wein, Tony Mavrogordo, and Billy Brandt’s father.
To ward the end of the story, for me the upside down moment, perhaps the ‘message,’ the author writes: “One day, we had a discussion in class. They asked me, where did they go? The trees, the salamander, the tropical fish, Edgar, the poppas and mommas, Matthew and Toney, where did they go? And I said, I don’t know, I don’t know. And they said, who knows? and I said, nobody knows. And they said, is death that which gives meaning to life? and I said, no, life is that which gives meaning to life. Then they said, but isn’t death, considered as a fundamental datum, the means by which the taken-for-granted mundanity of the everyday may be transcended in the direction of--”
Wow. Holy crap, I never want this class of children. Besides the obvious curse that surrounds this group, they are all wise beyond their age.
“Then there was a knock on the door, I opened the door, and the new gerbil walked in. The children cheered wildly.” This is how it ends, but you just know that whatever walked through the door, gerbil, dog, boy or girl, it was a goner.
There are few stories that I’m just not able to follow. This is one of them. The language and rhythm is great. It is a short fun read that made me laugh and go, “uh, what was that!” But I’m just not able to unpack the meaning. Sure it is about death, and responsibility, growing up, loss of innocence, etc; but there is something more going on in this story that I can’t quite grasp.
Read it! What do you think is going on?
Barthelme, Donald. “The School.” Sixty Stories. New York: Penguin, 2005. p. 304 -307
A list of what dies in this story: 30 orange trees, all the snakes, the herb garden, the gerbils, the puppy named Edgar, a salamander, tropical fish, a Korean orphan, parents, lots of grandparents, Matthew Wein, Tony Mavrogordo, and Billy Brandt’s father.
To ward the end of the story, for me the upside down moment, perhaps the ‘message,’ the author writes: “One day, we had a discussion in class. They asked me, where did they go? The trees, the salamander, the tropical fish, Edgar, the poppas and mommas, Matthew and Toney, where did they go? And I said, I don’t know, I don’t know. And they said, who knows? and I said, nobody knows. And they said, is death that which gives meaning to life? and I said, no, life is that which gives meaning to life. Then they said, but isn’t death, considered as a fundamental datum, the means by which the taken-for-granted mundanity of the everyday may be transcended in the direction of--”
Wow. Holy crap, I never want this class of children. Besides the obvious curse that surrounds this group, they are all wise beyond their age.
“Then there was a knock on the door, I opened the door, and the new gerbil walked in. The children cheered wildly.” This is how it ends, but you just know that whatever walked through the door, gerbil, dog, boy or girl, it was a goner.
There are few stories that I’m just not able to follow. This is one of them. The language and rhythm is great. It is a short fun read that made me laugh and go, “uh, what was that!” But I’m just not able to unpack the meaning. Sure it is about death, and responsibility, growing up, loss of innocence, etc; but there is something more going on in this story that I can’t quite grasp.
Read it! What do you think is going on?
Barthelme, Donald. “The School.” Sixty Stories. New York: Penguin, 2005. p. 304 -307
6.23.2007
ANDA’S GAME by Cory Doctorow
If I could pick one writer to meet and talk shop with as I approach thesis, it would be Cory Doctorow. But knowing that will most likely never happen, I’m glad that I came across Overclocked. The stories are great. However, for me, the introductions are a gold mine. Doctorow spills the beans. Not many, but he does write about his craft. Where the ideas came from, how he went about the story, why this story now, it’s like having a conversation.
I think that Anda’s Game is important; I just don’t know how many World of Warcraft fans are going to read it, which is too bad. It is a great story first and foremost. It follows Anda, an over weight preteen girl looking for community and strength. Anda finds that strength online by assuming a character in fantasy world where she becomes a leader and a sought after campaign partner.
However, Anda’s belief in the community is shaken when she learns that the online characters she has been hired to kill are children working in sweat shops clicking away for pennies. You just have to read this story to understand. I’ve already given away too much. Still, I think the power in this story is rests in Doctorow’s ability to take something as traditionally unliterary as a video game and turn it into a BFG of a story. This means there still might be hope for me.
Again, the introductions in Overclocked are great. In the intro to Anda’s Game, Docotorow gives this advice, “The easiest way to write futuristic (or futurismic) science fiction is to predict, with rigor and absolute accuracy, the present day.” I have this on a 3x5 card above my computer. I try to live by it in my fiction. When I’m stuck, I turn to Time Magazine or a local paper and try to spin out in my mind the future present. Sometimes I get lucky and it works.
Mr. Doctorow, Sir. If you ever find yourself in Minneapolis, MN, USA, I’d love to buy you a coffee.
Doctorow, Cory. “Anda’s Game.” Overclocked. New York: Thunder Mouth Press, 2007. p. 57 - 100
I think that Anda’s Game is important; I just don’t know how many World of Warcraft fans are going to read it, which is too bad. It is a great story first and foremost. It follows Anda, an over weight preteen girl looking for community and strength. Anda finds that strength online by assuming a character in fantasy world where she becomes a leader and a sought after campaign partner.
However, Anda’s belief in the community is shaken when she learns that the online characters she has been hired to kill are children working in sweat shops clicking away for pennies. You just have to read this story to understand. I’ve already given away too much. Still, I think the power in this story is rests in Doctorow’s ability to take something as traditionally unliterary as a video game and turn it into a BFG of a story. This means there still might be hope for me.
Again, the introductions in Overclocked are great. In the intro to Anda’s Game, Docotorow gives this advice, “The easiest way to write futuristic (or futurismic) science fiction is to predict, with rigor and absolute accuracy, the present day.” I have this on a 3x5 card above my computer. I try to live by it in my fiction. When I’m stuck, I turn to Time Magazine or a local paper and try to spin out in my mind the future present. Sometimes I get lucky and it works.
Mr. Doctorow, Sir. If you ever find yourself in Minneapolis, MN, USA, I’d love to buy you a coffee.
Doctorow, Cory. “Anda’s Game.” Overclocked. New York: Thunder Mouth Press, 2007. p. 57 - 100
6.17.2007
THE SAVIORS: A KABBALISTIC TALE by William T. Vollmann
If asked if Europe Central is a collection of short stories or a novel, I'd answer, both. Europe Central is a novel of paired stories alternating between the USSR and Germany from 1914 - 1975.
"The Saviors: A Kabbakistic Tale" (USSR, 1918) is the first story after the prologue. It opens with tale of Fanya Kaplan, Lenin's wood be assassin, an idealist and a member of the Social Revolutionaries. It then alternates between Fanya Kaplan's arrest and eventual execution and the dedication of Lenin's wife N.K. Krupskaya.
This story is the story that almost cause me to toss it in, stop writing. After I had finished reading it, all I wanted to do was crawl under a rock and die. I have talent as a writer, but I do not see myself producing anything close to the linguistic beauty contained with in those pages. Vollmann uses the magical alphabet of the Kabbalah to sing a tragic story about change, sacrifice, and personal conviction.
I couldn't read on. I shelved Europe Central out of fear. I have read and reread "The Saviors" hoping to be able to crack its genius. Why does this story hold me captive? I have no more insight into it's craft than when I first read it two years ago.
What I do know is that "The Saviors" is a powerful story that scares me. It haunts every story I write. It asks, "Is that all you got?" It questions, "If you can't write like that, why write?" It suffocates me.
We all have to have goals. Mine is to someday match the quality of those 18 pages, line for lyrical line.
Wish me luck.
Vollmann, William T. "The Saviors: A Kabbakistic Tale." Europe Central. New York: Penguin, 2005. p 13 - 31
"The Saviors: A Kabbakistic Tale" (USSR, 1918) is the first story after the prologue. It opens with tale of Fanya Kaplan, Lenin's wood be assassin, an idealist and a member of the Social Revolutionaries. It then alternates between Fanya Kaplan's arrest and eventual execution and the dedication of Lenin's wife N.K. Krupskaya.
This story is the story that almost cause me to toss it in, stop writing. After I had finished reading it, all I wanted to do was crawl under a rock and die. I have talent as a writer, but I do not see myself producing anything close to the linguistic beauty contained with in those pages. Vollmann uses the magical alphabet of the Kabbalah to sing a tragic story about change, sacrifice, and personal conviction.
I couldn't read on. I shelved Europe Central out of fear. I have read and reread "The Saviors" hoping to be able to crack its genius. Why does this story hold me captive? I have no more insight into it's craft than when I first read it two years ago.
What I do know is that "The Saviors" is a powerful story that scares me. It haunts every story I write. It asks, "Is that all you got?" It questions, "If you can't write like that, why write?" It suffocates me.
We all have to have goals. Mine is to someday match the quality of those 18 pages, line for lyrical line.
Wish me luck.
Vollmann, William T. "The Saviors: A Kabbakistic Tale." Europe Central. New York: Penguin, 2005. p 13 - 31
6.15.2007
EXODUS: A STORY BY DIRECTOR DENIAL by Chuck Palahniuk
This is the most wonderfully foul story that I have ever read. Most of what is contained in these pages I can’t relate here for fear of being flagged for objectionable content. So I’m going to keep this one really short.
Here is the gist: CPR practice dolls with orifices. Horny cops. Opportunity. Then, oh yes, then revenge on the cops. Sweet Revenge. The doll has to be replaced. The new CPR dolls look like and feel like real children. The new dolls are whisked away to safety by Cora Reynolds, who may be even more disturbed than the horny cops.
Palahniuk is a master of the train wreck story. Early on, it is clear there is going to be a messy wreck, but his attention to detail and heart wrenching narrator make it near impossible to look away.
Why didn’t I write this one?
Palahniuk, Chuck. “Exodus: A Story by Director Denial.” Haunted: A Novel. New York: Doubleday, 2005. 155 - 171
Here is the gist: CPR practice dolls with orifices. Horny cops. Opportunity. Then, oh yes, then revenge on the cops. Sweet Revenge. The doll has to be replaced. The new CPR dolls look like and feel like real children. The new dolls are whisked away to safety by Cora Reynolds, who may be even more disturbed than the horny cops.
Palahniuk is a master of the train wreck story. Early on, it is clear there is going to be a messy wreck, but his attention to detail and heart wrenching narrator make it near impossible to look away.
Why didn’t I write this one?
Palahniuk, Chuck. “Exodus: A Story by Director Denial.” Haunted: A Novel. New York: Doubleday, 2005. 155 - 171
6.10.2007
THE SIN EATERS by Sherman Alexie
I find it very odd that the one stroy by Alexie that academics have latched on to is “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona.” Well, it is not that odd. It is a good example just how far you can bend point of view. Also, the character of Thomas Builds-the-Fire is a compulsive storyteller, and there is nothing more that a teacher of writing likes more than a character that tells stories within a story.
I love Alexie’s short fiction, my favorite being, “The Sin Eaters,” a story that should be a movie. The trailer would start like this,
“In a world on the verge of collapse, where the greatest plague humanity has ever seen threatens our very survival, researchers discover a horrible and tragic solution.”
In Alexie’s story, the only way that humanity can survive is through Native American blood. Blood that the United States of America has tried to so desperately send the way of the dinosaurs is ironically needed to save our species from global extinction. So, anyone with at least quarter-heritage is rounded up and bled for the cure. However, the degradation does not stop there because there are not enough Native Americans left to save the world. So, Native Americans are forced to begin breeding with one another in brick and wire camps like cattle.
The government in Alexie’s “Sin Eaters” would pass me by. I too would need the healing magic of their blood. I’m too diluted to claim heritage. I never knew my grandfather, John Wilson, of the Cherokee Nation. My father, an orphan, has pictures and research that he has shown me. And that is all that we know of John and our Cherokee blood, whispers upon the wings of the wind.
“The Sin Eaters” is a great story. If I am ever so lucky as to be able to teach literature and writing, I will choose this terrifying tale over “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona.” Both good stories, but "The Sin Eaters" means much more too me.
Alexie, Sherman.“The Sin Eaters.” The Toughest Indian in the World. Berkeley: Grove Press, 2001
I love Alexie’s short fiction, my favorite being, “The Sin Eaters,” a story that should be a movie. The trailer would start like this,
“In a world on the verge of collapse, where the greatest plague humanity has ever seen threatens our very survival, researchers discover a horrible and tragic solution.”
In Alexie’s story, the only way that humanity can survive is through Native American blood. Blood that the United States of America has tried to so desperately send the way of the dinosaurs is ironically needed to save our species from global extinction. So, anyone with at least quarter-heritage is rounded up and bled for the cure. However, the degradation does not stop there because there are not enough Native Americans left to save the world. So, Native Americans are forced to begin breeding with one another in brick and wire camps like cattle.
The government in Alexie’s “Sin Eaters” would pass me by. I too would need the healing magic of their blood. I’m too diluted to claim heritage. I never knew my grandfather, John Wilson, of the Cherokee Nation. My father, an orphan, has pictures and research that he has shown me. And that is all that we know of John and our Cherokee blood, whispers upon the wings of the wind.
“The Sin Eaters” is a great story. If I am ever so lucky as to be able to teach literature and writing, I will choose this terrifying tale over “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona.” Both good stories, but "The Sin Eaters" means much more too me.
Alexie, Sherman.“The Sin Eaters.” The Toughest Indian in the World. Berkeley: Grove Press, 2001
6.08.2007
AIM by Jaye Lawrence
This is an excellent example of how to mix pleasurable fiction with an overt political agenda, war is bad. It begins with an old veteran walking down memory’s stair case. On the wall hang soldiers from his past, friends and family that have served our country.
It is now time for his grandson to follow in the family tradition and serve. His grandson is not the brightest bulb, but he loves him. He sees his grandson in love and wanting to marry. He wants more for his grandson than a military life and his has a plan.
You have to pay attention from sentence one. The details clue you into his secrete plan for his grandson. The first time I read it I was hit over the head with the ending, but with subsequent readings I was able to see where Lawrence stuck in hits and winks as to this old warrior's true intent.
Lawrence, Jaye. “Aim.” mnmo.com. January 2007. 72 - 73
It is now time for his grandson to follow in the family tradition and serve. His grandson is not the brightest bulb, but he loves him. He sees his grandson in love and wanting to marry. He wants more for his grandson than a military life and his has a plan.
You have to pay attention from sentence one. The details clue you into his secrete plan for his grandson. The first time I read it I was hit over the head with the ending, but with subsequent readings I was able to see where Lawrence stuck in hits and winks as to this old warrior's true intent.
Lawrence, Jaye. “Aim.” mnmo.com. January 2007. 72 - 73
THE NAMELESS SEASON by Alicia L. Conroy
I had the pleasure of meeting Conroy last night. I’m in a 2 credit class on the short story and the professor Pamela Joern had invited her in to talk about her collection of short stories Lives of Mapmakers that is being considered for a Minnesota Book Award.
Let’s say that spring stopped occurring on a regular basis. Winter comes to a slamming halt and one day it is freezing and there is snow on the ground, and then, the very next day, summer is here with 90 degree days. What would happen?
With the insightful grace of an environmental scientist, Conroy uses the character of a teenage girl to unfold the deep depression that settles over the region after the initial shock of disaster. Conroy shows us the effect that seasons have on the human psyche and the world as we know it. When spring returns intermittently, Conroy shows the reader the humanities limitless capacity for joy and the need for celebration.
Conroy’s strength is in her ability to use her first person narrator to guide the reader though the emotional territory of disaster and loss. Conroy accomplishes a crafty balance the limited knowledge of a teenager and the making sure that the reader gets the technical information to make the disaster seem vividly plausible.
Conroy, Alicia L. “The Nameless Season.” Lives of Mapmakers. Pittsburgh: Carnegie Mellon University Press, 2006. 132 - 145
Let’s say that spring stopped occurring on a regular basis. Winter comes to a slamming halt and one day it is freezing and there is snow on the ground, and then, the very next day, summer is here with 90 degree days. What would happen?
With the insightful grace of an environmental scientist, Conroy uses the character of a teenage girl to unfold the deep depression that settles over the region after the initial shock of disaster. Conroy shows us the effect that seasons have on the human psyche and the world as we know it. When spring returns intermittently, Conroy shows the reader the humanities limitless capacity for joy and the need for celebration.
Conroy’s strength is in her ability to use her first person narrator to guide the reader though the emotional territory of disaster and loss. Conroy accomplishes a crafty balance the limited knowledge of a teenager and the making sure that the reader gets the technical information to make the disaster seem vividly plausible.
Conroy, Alicia L. “The Nameless Season.” Lives of Mapmakers. Pittsburgh: Carnegie Mellon University Press, 2006. 132 - 145
6.03.2007
ALIEN ARCHAEOLOGY by Neal Asher
Okay, I keep saying that I don’t intend to review anything longer than a short story. A short story is in my mind is anything between a page and twenty-some pages, which includes one maybe two settings, and the individual drama of less than two or three characters. Asimov’s Science Fiction has labeled Asher’s story as a novella, which is longer than a short story and shorter than a novel including multiple setting and more drama. However, the debate over what a short story is and what a short story is not is ultimately a publisher’s marketing department’s call.
Alien Archaeology hopefully will be considered for a 2007 Hugo Award for Best Novella. The story is fast paced and fun. The plot is broken down into duel points of view, that of an ex-hit man turned xeno-archaeologist called Rho and that of Jarel, a Han Solo like profiteer looking to make a buck. What I find interesting about the point of view shifts is that Rho is told in first person and Jarel is third limited. These two frames of reference meld into a great chase through space.
The story begins with Rho making the find of a life time. Then Jarel swings into the picture and leaves Rho for dead. Jarel takes artifact and run straight to the highest bidder. However, selling it and making a profit is too simple for Jarel, she wants to make and retain copy for herself. So after finding a buyer and wheeling and dealing, she in lists the help of a rogue AI called Penny Royal.
Meanwhile, Rho recovers from the blow to his head. He now wants two things, the artifact that was stolen and to see the surprised look on Jarel’s face as he kills her. To me this is better of the two story lines. Rho’s wheeling and dealing with underworld information dealers is kind of Space Opera that I live for. However, Rho retired from the hit man business for a reason. He was getting rusty and slow.
I really don’t want to give more that than away. You should really find this novella and read it. I am sure that you will see it again either collected in a “best of” 2007 collection or on the 2007 roster of award winners. However, I had a hard time finding it after the chain bookstores had pulled the June 2007 issue. You can either buy the e-version of Asimov’s Science Fiction June 2007 issue or as I opted, read it in your local public library.
Asher, Neal. “Alien Archaeology.” Asimov’s Science Fiction. June 2007.
Also reviewed, MASON’S RATS by Neal Asher.
Alien Archaeology hopefully will be considered for a 2007 Hugo Award for Best Novella. The story is fast paced and fun. The plot is broken down into duel points of view, that of an ex-hit man turned xeno-archaeologist called Rho and that of Jarel, a Han Solo like profiteer looking to make a buck. What I find interesting about the point of view shifts is that Rho is told in first person and Jarel is third limited. These two frames of reference meld into a great chase through space.
The story begins with Rho making the find of a life time. Then Jarel swings into the picture and leaves Rho for dead. Jarel takes artifact and run straight to the highest bidder. However, selling it and making a profit is too simple for Jarel, she wants to make and retain copy for herself. So after finding a buyer and wheeling and dealing, she in lists the help of a rogue AI called Penny Royal.
Meanwhile, Rho recovers from the blow to his head. He now wants two things, the artifact that was stolen and to see the surprised look on Jarel’s face as he kills her. To me this is better of the two story lines. Rho’s wheeling and dealing with underworld information dealers is kind of Space Opera that I live for. However, Rho retired from the hit man business for a reason. He was getting rusty and slow.
I really don’t want to give more that than away. You should really find this novella and read it. I am sure that you will see it again either collected in a “best of” 2007 collection or on the 2007 roster of award winners. However, I had a hard time finding it after the chain bookstores had pulled the June 2007 issue. You can either buy the e-version of Asimov’s Science Fiction June 2007 issue or as I opted, read it in your local public library.
Asher, Neal. “Alien Archaeology.” Asimov’s Science Fiction. June 2007.
Also reviewed, MASON’S RATS by Neal Asher.
6.01.2007
TV PEOPLE by Haruki Murakami
This one of the best modern allegories that I have read. Most horror and weird fiction is content to shock and boggle the mind. Murakami is not content to just spin a tale of a man's decent into the dark abyss of insanity. There is much more happening in this story just below the surface of the action.
However, the action is well written and moves both the plot and the underling meaning to a fruitful end. It starts out with a long strange introduction to the TV People. The way they look, "...--slightly smaller. About, say 20 or 30%." These TV people begin to haunt the main character and slowly begin to take over his life creeping into every aspect of his life.
It took me a few reads to understand that Murakami is telling the story of Japan's relationship with the introduction of new and foreign technology. This comes across in the reactions that the main character has to the new TV that is place in his living room and how TV people coax him into submission.
Find this story and read it. You won't be sorry. It is one of my all time favorites.
Todd, thank you for showing this one to me.
Murakami, Haruki. "TV People." The Elephant Vanishes. New York: Vintage, 1994. p. 196 - 216
However, the action is well written and moves both the plot and the underling meaning to a fruitful end. It starts out with a long strange introduction to the TV People. The way they look, "...--slightly smaller. About, say 20 or 30%." These TV people begin to haunt the main character and slowly begin to take over his life creeping into every aspect of his life.
It took me a few reads to understand that Murakami is telling the story of Japan's relationship with the introduction of new and foreign technology. This comes across in the reactions that the main character has to the new TV that is place in his living room and how TV people coax him into submission.
Find this story and read it. You won't be sorry. It is one of my all time favorites.
Todd, thank you for showing this one to me.
Murakami, Haruki. "TV People." The Elephant Vanishes. New York: Vintage, 1994. p. 196 - 216
THE SOULLESS MACHINE REVIEW May 2007
THE STAR STEALERS by Edmond Hamilton
MICHAEL IN ANTARCTICA by Kim Stanley Robinson
THE GARBAGE COLLECTOR by Ray Bradbury
THE LAST FEAST OF HARLEQUIN by Thomas Ligotti
MASON’S RATS by Neal Asher
A CASE OF CONSILIENCE by Ken MacLeod
PASTORALIA by George Saunders
WIRED FOR LIFE by Steve Almond
Q & A by Stephanie Dickinson
PARSIFAL (PRIX FIRE) by James L. Cambias
A CHILD'S BOOK OF SICKNESS AND DEATH by Chris Adrian.
DEUS EX HOMINE by Hannu Rajaniemi
MICHAEL IN ANTARCTICA by Kim Stanley Robinson
THE GARBAGE COLLECTOR by Ray Bradbury
THE LAST FEAST OF HARLEQUIN by Thomas Ligotti
MASON’S RATS by Neal Asher
A CASE OF CONSILIENCE by Ken MacLeod
PASTORALIA by George Saunders
WIRED FOR LIFE by Steve Almond
Q & A by Stephanie Dickinson
PARSIFAL (PRIX FIRE) by James L. Cambias
A CHILD'S BOOK OF SICKNESS AND DEATH by Chris Adrian.
DEUS EX HOMINE by Hannu Rajaniemi
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