★★★☆☆ Honorable Mention
(Science Fantasy) On a planet where different body parts live separately unless they have reason to cooperate, the arrival of human beings causes alarm and confusion. (1,795 words; Time: 05m)
"The Willing Body, The Reluctant Heart," by Marie Vibbert [bio] (edited by Trevor Quachri), appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact issue 05-06|18, published on April 19, 2018 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: This is an idea-based story, not plot or character-based, and on the basis of the idea alone, it’s kind of fun. The narration from body’s point of view is entertaining, and the way the different parts have different personalities and take votes is amusing.
And there is a plot, of sorts: body’s quest to learn about the aliens.
It reminded me a bit of "Retief's Ransom," by Keith Laumer, which also had aliens composed of separate body parts.
Con: The ending, where we learn we're hearing the narrator describe all of this for the benefit of the human visitors some time later, is awkward.
Retief or not, the what-if is rather silly.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 05-06|18)
Marie Vibbert Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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And there is a plot, of sorts: body’s quest to learn about the aliens.
It reminded me a bit of "Retief's Ransom," by Keith Laumer, which also had aliens composed of separate body parts.
Con: The ending, where we learn we're hearing the narrator describe all of this for the benefit of the human visitors some time later, is awkward.
Retief or not, the what-if is rather silly.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 05-06|18)
Marie Vibbert Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
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