(SF) In a future Australia, Irving sells his memories for ready cash, hoping to put his life back together. To the extent he still remembers it. (9,600 words; Time: 32m)
Rating: ★★★★☆ Recommended
Recommended By: RHorton:4 NClarke"A Strange Loop," by T.R. Napper [bio] (edited by Andy Cox), appeared in Interzone issue 262, published on January 12, 2016 by TTA Press.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: Irving comes full circle in this story. It ends because there's no hope left for him, not because he's achieved his goal. The story does a great job of gradually revealing what Thanks for the Memories really does as well as revealing what really sank his relationship and career.
Con: There are no admirable characters in the story, so it has no emotional charge.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 262)
T.R. Napper Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
Con: There are no admirable characters in the story, so it has no emotional charge.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 262)
T.R. Napper Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
I liked this one, with its clear Philip K Dick influences (and I spotted a cheeky nod to Wholesale at one point). It did have a noir tone to it, but I didn't mind that.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, it's clearly a noir story from the get-go. No one should reach the end and complain about the lack of a happy ending!
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