(Modern Fantasy) Shay and friends jump from the rock into the pond, even though stories say that sometimes it keeps a teenager or two. (2,241 words; Time: 07m)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ Not Recommended
"Left The Century To Sit Unmoved," by Sarah Pinsker [bio] (edited by Niall Harrison), appeared in Strange Horizons issue 05/16/16, published on May 16, 2016.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The imagery is beautiful, and brings back pleasant memories for most people, no doubt. Shay, androgynous as far as we know, is in love with both friends, and hence is breaking some rules him/herself. The final plunge, breaking several "pond rules" seems to convince him/her that there are no rules.
Con: Except that we know that some people disappeared in front of witnesses--Shay witnessed two personally. That's the only thing that makes this story SFF and not mainstream, but it also spoils the interpretation above.
A more serious problem is that there's no story here. Shay and friends aren't trying to accomplish anything, and they don't. They swim and dive and nothing happens.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 05/16/16)
Sarah Pinsker Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Con: Except that we know that some people disappeared in front of witnesses--Shay witnessed two personally. That's the only thing that makes this story SFF and not mainstream, but it also spoils the interpretation above.
A more serious problem is that there's no story here. Shay and friends aren't trying to accomplish anything, and they don't. They swim and dive and nothing happens.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 05/16/16)
Sarah Pinsker Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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