Tuesday, May 2, 2017

The Woman with the Long Black Hair, by Zach Shephard

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(Mythic Fantasy) The woman with the long black hair asks people about Korlova. Woe be to they who give a displeasing answer. (764 words; Time: 02m)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average

"The Woman with the Long Black Hair," by (edited by C.C. Finlay), appeared in issue 05-06|17, published on by .

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

Pro: It’s clear at once that the woman is Korlova and that what she wants to hear is the truth. If she believes you, no matter how nasty your answer, she rewards you. Not otherwise. In the end, she hears the complete truth, and in response to it, she vanishes. The Innkeeper can’t even remember that she ever existed.

Con: Is it really the best thing for her to be forgotten? She saved the world at great cost, after all. It’s a cool, tight, story, but the final message is strange.

Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 05-06|17)
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3 comments (may contain spoilers):

  1. Very neat little story. She rewards all who hate her and punishes those who worship her. The innkeeper is neutral and is the only one who doesn't correct her about the name. Korlova seems to accept this and heeds her by unraveling completely. Not sure what the meaning is, but I liked it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you think she rewarded hate or just people who were honest with her?

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    2. Yes, because I didn't think the two who worshiped her were being dishonest. I think only the woman at the end who said she she shouldn't be hated or worshiped saw the whole picture.

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