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(Mainstream) In 1983 Florida, 10-year-old Scotty believes a defective lead figure of Lincoln is cursed. (10,471 words; Time: 34m)
Rating: Not Rated, No Speculative Element
It's an excellent story, but it's not SFF at all.
"The Leaning Lincoln," by Will Ludwigsen, appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction issue 10-11|16, published on September 22, 2016 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: It's an excellent story, with great dialogue, transparent narration, and a plot that takes you by surprise.
Con: Part of the plot is that Scotty accepts that the figure has no magic to it. Otherwise it would be a horror story, but, as it is, it's just a growing up story. The bit at the end with him leaving the Lincoln on the table while his father dies is a little weird, since it leaves us thinking that maybe he still did believe in the curse--except wouldn't it have affected him over the past thirty years?
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Con: Part of the plot is that Scotty accepts that the figure has no magic to it. Otherwise it would be a horror story, but, as it is, it's just a growing up story. The bit at the end with him leaving the Lincoln on the table while his father dies is a little weird, since it leaves us thinking that maybe he still did believe in the curse--except wouldn't it have affected him over the past thirty years?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites
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