(Slipstream) A man who just stole the universe hides in Howard’s apartment, interrupting his attempt to propose to his girlfriend. Then it gets weird. (10,193 words; Time: 33m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"Universe Box," by Michael Swanwick [bio] (edited by Sheila Williams), appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction issue 09-10|17, published on August 17, 2017 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: At the end of it all, Howard learns to accept what happens and be happy in the moment.
The story is rich with cute literary allusions. E.g. when Howard and Shamkat (herself a character from Gilgamesh) barge in on the Black Lama, he sighs, “Even here I am found,” which is a different spin on Et in Arcadia Ego.
Con: The story is quite strange, and Howard is difficult to relate to. The weirdness is kind of fun (especially if you get the allusions) but it gets old at this length.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 09-10|17)
Michael Swanwick Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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The story is rich with cute literary allusions. E.g. when Howard and Shamkat (herself a character from Gilgamesh) barge in on the Black Lama, he sighs, “Even here I am found,” which is a different spin on Et in Arcadia Ego.
Con: The story is quite strange, and Howard is difficult to relate to. The weirdness is kind of fun (especially if you get the allusions) but it gets old at this length.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 09-10|17)
Michael Swanwick Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
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