(Modern Fantasy (India)) Little Kalyani might be autistic, but no one in her village knows what that means. A passing sage offers her a boon, but it’s not at all a cure. (6,100 words; Time: 20m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"An Unexpected Boon," by S.B. Divya [bio] (edited by Jason Sizemore), appeared in Apex Magazine issue 102, published on November 7, 2017.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: Kalyani is still an autistic child, but the boon has given her far greater power over her situation, as when she gathers her discomfort and blows it out with her breath at the end. She’s a good person, trying really hard in what was an impossible situation, so we’re very glad to see her rewarded.
Both of the sages prophesied truly. She did get a boon, and they were turned out of their house. The power of her boon has certainly earned her brother’s respect, and things look good for them now.
Con: Kalyani is too powerful, and her confidence in that power is too strong. This causes the story to lose all tension at the end. Also, her motivations are alien enough that it's hard for us to identify with her--especially after her apotheosis.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 102)
S.B. Divya Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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Both of the sages prophesied truly. She did get a boon, and they were turned out of their house. The power of her boon has certainly earned her brother’s respect, and things look good for them now.
Con: Kalyani is too powerful, and her confidence in that power is too strong. This causes the story to lose all tension at the end. Also, her motivations are alien enough that it's hard for us to identify with her--especially after her apotheosis.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 102)
S.B. Divya Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
A sympathetic and understandable depiction of autism. I liked that the boon doesn't "cure" her, but helps her be as she is in the world. Although it does go a bit far with the glowing and making her seem like a demigoddess.
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