★★★☆☆ Average
(SF Clones) The narrator is “cloned” in a matter-transmitter accident, and he and his new “brother” struggle over who’ll inherit the family barbeque business. (6,019 words; Time: 20m)
"Never the Twain Shall Meet," by Peter Wood [bio] (edited by Sheila Williams), appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction issue 05-06|19, published on April 19, 2019 by Penny Publications.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Review: 2019.245 (A Word for Authors)
Pro: To enjoy this story, I think you have to recognize that Rick is an unreliable narrator. In reality, he’s every bit as much a jerk as Marshall is (a fact Juanita confirms). Likewise, it makes sense that he “didn’t have many friends”: If he can’t stand himself, it’s no surprise no one else can either.
Con: It’s a story about a dishonest, disagreeable, defeatist person who doesn’t really get any better.
I didn’t find the robot amusing; I couldn’t believe anyone would design or buy a product that defective.
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Peter Wood Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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Pro: To enjoy this story, I think you have to recognize that Rick is an unreliable narrator. In reality, he’s every bit as much a jerk as Marshall is (a fact Juanita confirms). Likewise, it makes sense that he “didn’t have many friends”: If he can’t stand himself, it’s no surprise no one else can either.
Con: It’s a story about a dishonest, disagreeable, defeatist person who doesn’t really get any better.
I didn’t find the robot amusing; I couldn’t believe anyone would design or buy a product that defective.
Other Reviews: Search Web
Peter Wood Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't want a disagreeable kitchen bot? Really? :)
More to the point, I don't believe anyone would ever design, manufacture, and sell such a thing.
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