(Generation Ship) As the ship approaches its destination, Ninah’s work teaching preschool is about to come to an end. (838 words; Time: 02m)
Rating: ★★★★☆ Packs an emotional punch in very little space.
"Pipecleaner Sculptures and Other Necessary Work," by Tina Connolly [bio] (edited by Lynne M. Thomas and Michael Damian Thomas), appeared in Uncanny Magazine issue 19, published on November 7, 2017.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: It’s quite touching. Ninah wants to be remembered as a caregiver, not a killer. And she has been a very good caregiver; her students clearly love her, and she loves them too.
It’s realistic that Ninah cannot question or protest her repurposing, and that she recognizes she’ll be just as “happy” as a soldier, once the conversion is done. She just won't be the same individual. Like a character in a myth, her fate is unavoidable, and she goes to her death stoically, but with some desire that she be remembered.
Con: The Sub-Commander is a cardboard character. Given his complete indifference to Ninah's feelings, it's strange that he argues with her.
The story is very short, so there's little room for things like setting or character development.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 19)
Tina Connolly Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
It’s realistic that Ninah cannot question or protest her repurposing, and that she recognizes she’ll be just as “happy” as a soldier, once the conversion is done. She just won't be the same individual. Like a character in a myth, her fate is unavoidable, and she goes to her death stoically, but with some desire that she be remembered.
Con: The Sub-Commander is a cardboard character. Given his complete indifference to Ninah's feelings, it's strange that he argues with her.
The story is very short, so there's little room for things like setting or character development.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 19)
Tina Connolly Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
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