(Modern Fantasy) A young hemophiliac American boy in Italy visits a creepy old house to try to get old stamps for his collection. (4,259 words; Time: 14m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"Ink," by Bruce McAllister [bio] (edited by John Joseph Adams), appeared in Lightspeed Magazine issue 87, published on August 1, 2017.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The character of young David is very real and very relatable. We feel so sorry for him, and yet we admire how responsible he is about managing his illness.
The resolution manages to be uplifting and chilling at the same time.
Con: David doesn’t take a very active role in the story. He gets this great gift, but he doesn’t earn it, nor does he pay any price for it. Several mysteries are raised but never answered, such as how the old lady knew to give the letters to David.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 87)
Bruce McAllister Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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The resolution manages to be uplifting and chilling at the same time.
Con: David doesn’t take a very active role in the story. He gets this great gift, but he doesn’t earn it, nor does he pay any price for it. Several mysteries are raised but never answered, such as how the old lady knew to give the letters to David.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 87)
Bruce McAllister Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
The idea of the letters bleeding for him didn't really click for me.
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