Short Story Sunday - April 10, 2011

"A Fish Story" by Gene Wolfe

First Printing:  Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, October/November 1999


One thing I can say is that Gene Wolfe's short fiction is always interesting.  "A Fish Story" is a short work that leaves you wondering what really happened.  Like most Wolfe stories, the narrator may be unreliable.  While this is a lesser work, it is still worth reading.  Wolfe is one of the current masters of the short form.  I need to read some of his novel length work to see if I like this style in a long form.


The magazine this appeared in was the 50th anniversary issue of the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.  They always were able to stack the deck for the anniversary issues.  In addition to this story, other authors featured here were Ursula K. LeGuin, Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Ron Goulart, Robert Silverberg, Theodore Sturgeon, Poul Anderson, Robert Sheckley, Howard Waldrop,  Kate Wilhelm, Lucius Shepard, and others. 

Short Story Sunday-February 7, 2010

1.  "The Astronaut" by Brian Plante
First printing: Analog, May 2007

Brian Plante has crafted a touching story about a boy whose family moves to Texas. His only escape is watching the Mars channel. It is following the latest ship to Mars. Davy dreams of growing up to be an astronaut. Life is boring until he befriends the beautiful older woman next door. Their friendship and combined with Davy's dreams make for compelling reading. The author has tapped into the desire to be an astronaut that is experienced by many young people when they read science fiction. Most readers can remember back to their younger days when they had a crush on a grown up. The ending takes your emotions on a roller coaster ride. The best compliment I can give it is that Davy seems like a real person. Recommended. 

2.  "The Island of Doctor Death and Other Stories" by Gene Wolfe

First printing:Orbit #7, 1970

A young boy, Tackman "Tackie" Babcock lives with his divorced mother.  Her boyfriend buys him a book called "The Island of Doctor Death and Other Stories".  As they prepare for a costume party the characters from the book start appearing and talking to Tackie.  The characters tip off Tackie about what is really going on in the house.

I will not reveal any more of the plot because I don't want to ruin the story for anyone who has not read it yet.  Wolfe uses a pulp story to help the boy understand the real world.  What is real in the story?  Like many of Wolfe's stories, it is open to interpretation.  I found this to be a fascinating, initially confusing, story that is well worth the effort.  Track this one down and read it.  If you like stories that spell out everything, avoid this one.  On the other hand, if you like challenging stories that make you think, this tale is highly recommended.