Monday 18 March 2024

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Full. Metal. Jacket.

I now have a much better understanding as to why "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien is often anthologized and considered one of the greatest short-stories of the 20th century. Suffice it to say, it certainly lives up to the hype. In a meticulously condensed portrayal, the author provides a snapshot of the harrowing realities and psychological toll of the Vietnam War. Through a dynamic narrative lens, we are granted access to the American soldier's traumatic experiences as they march aimlessly towards potential death. 

In a manner reminiscent of a meticulously conducted scientific inquiry or an immersive documentary, the narrative unfolds with pedagogical precision, listing the plethora of physical items each soldier bears, even down to the minutiae of their weight. From chewing gum and rations to burdensome loads of ammunition and weaponry, every item carries its own weight, both literally and metaphorically. This narrative approach is profoundly effective, granting readers a more intimate understanding of the soldiers' physical burdens. As we witness their arduous journeys through dense jungles and unforgiving terrain, we are confronted with the sheer resilience and endurance demanded of these individuals. Their physical exertions, as conveyed through the narrative, stand as a testament to their extraordinary fortitude in the face of adversity. Of course, each soldier also carries the emotional weight of fear, loss, guilt, shame and responsibility to each other as a unit that often goes unspoken. 

From a critical analysis perspective, there are so many different approaches to understanding the story's complex depth. The most interesting aspect for me is the photograph of Martha, carried by Lieutenant Jimmy Cross. Even though it is just a picture of his college sweetheart, she comes to life through his memories and becomes the emotional centerpiece of the story. She symbolizes innocence, normalcy and freedom. In essence, she exists merely as a fantasy in Jimmy's mind, an anchor to a life far removed from the horrors of war. The photograph becomes a sense of comfort and escapism, dreaming about a life together when his tour in Vietnam is over. As he gazes upon the photograph, the narrative seamlessly shifts into his personal reflections, providing valuable insight into his thought process and sense of character. However, we learn that Martha's true feelings for him were not made clear and he is desperately clinging to the hope that he can win her affections after the war. To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from saying much more on the subject but his final decision at the end in relation to Martha helps to reinforce some the story's important themes of guilt, duty and responsibility. 

A haunting and unforgettable short-story that will linger in my mind for a very long time to come.

Sunday 17 March 2024

The Golden Man by Philip K. Dick (1954)

Adam Warlock, the golden god.

Tell me if this premise sounds familiar: a government, gripped by fear, initiates a relentless crusade against mutants endowed with extraordinary powers. Driven by the dread of humanity's potential extinction at the hands of these superior beings, they've orchestrated a campaign of "euthanasia", leaving many mutants slain and the fortunate survivors are forced into hiding. Enter a determined government agent tasked with hunting down any remaining mutants in the country. Along the way, he encounters a remarkable young man, possessing a complexion akin to molten gold, blessed with supersonic speed and an intellect capable of navigating the intricacies of future events across its myriad possibilities. Does it ring a bell yet? 

While reading this story, I couldn't help but make the parallels to the iconic X-Men series and the figure of Adam Warlock. Yet, here's a tantalizing thought: could it be that the visionary mind of Stan Lee found inspiration in Philip K. Dick's "The Golden Man"? It's merely conjecture, but the notion holds a compelling allure. Nor am I accusing Lee of plagiarism. I just find it interesting that this story was published in 1954 and Adam Warlock's first appearance in the Marvel comics was 1967. 

Conjecture aside, the actual short-story is underwhelming, tedious and drawn-out. Not to mention, the blatant misogyny is off-putting and cringe-worthy. The narrative pacing is sluggish and mostly uneventful until the final act when the perspective shifts to the Golden Man, injecting a newfound intrigue into the tale. However, considering Dick's remuneration by word count for publication, one can hardly fault him for prolonging the narrative to earn his paycheck.

You can read this story HERE.

Burning Chrome by William Gibson

Burn, baby burn.

William Gibson is often considered one of the pioneers of 1980's cyberpunk science-fiction and his influence on the genre is unprecedented. He clearly had a substantial impact on the writing of Greg Egan (I reviewed several of his short-stories recently), especially in terms of literary style and atmosphere. 

"Burning Chrome" is pure sensory and information overload. The fast-pasted narrative is a disorienting adrenaline rush with its onslaught of techno-jargon and amorphous world-building. This futuristic society is a film noir-like dystopia of claustrophobic urban sprawls,  seedy back-alleys, bustling cyber-cafes, and bright neon lights where technology has run amok. 

The narrator, Automatic Jack, is a hustler known for his cybernetic arm. His best friend Bobby is a "cowboy", which refers to a highly skilled hacker that spends a lot of time plugged into cyberspace, breaking into various computer systems to steal valuable data. Through a series of flashbacks, Jack recounts their dangerous attempt to hack into the highly complex database called Chrome (makes me wonder if Google Chrome was influenced by this story). Or at least, that seems to be the basis of the plot? The narrative deliberately eschews explanations, entwining itself in a labyrinthine web of ambiguity and complexity, thus crafting an immersive and hallucinatory journey for the reader. 

Characters drift in and out of the story, operating in the shadows, further contributing to the sense of mystery and moral ambiguity. The two friends eventually meet a femme-fatale named Rikki at the cafe and Bobby quickly becomes infatuated. Her interest in augmented cybernetics hints at a deeper connection to the technological underbelly of the story's world, suggesting a possible involvement in clandestine activities or subversive agendas. This ambiguity surrounding Rikki's character leaves readers questioning her true allegiance and purpose, heightening the sense of mystery and unpredictability.

Darko Suvin's theory of cognitive estrangement would perfectly apply to a cyberpunk story like "Burning Chrome" because there is a recognition of various elements but it is juxtaposed with the strange, unfamiliar and uncanny. Any readers looking to find deep characterization or a well-defined story is bound to be disappointed. William Gibson is all about style and literary technique while creating an atmosphere of cyberpunk ambiance overflowing with coolness. There is much to be said about an author's literary talents to produce an enigmatic narrative that is utterly confusing with perplexing twists and turns, yet I found myself fully engaged from start to finish.

Friday 15 March 2024

Porcupines at the University by Donald Barthelme

Prickly scholars.

Admittedly, it was the quirky title that immediately caught my attention and made me want to read this story. In the postmodernist tradition, conventional narrative forms are thrown out the window in favor of embracing the absurd as a kaleidoscopic reflection of the fragmented vision of reality. The emphasis is placed on incoherence, the preposterous, disarray and chaos. This total lack of so-called realism further highlights the tension between fiction and reality often found in Barthelme's work. 

The plot makes absolutely no sense and I suppose that's the whole point. All you really need to know is that it does contain porcupines, although not cute ones dressed in graduation robes as seen in the above image. I just thought it was cute. In this story, these animals are more of a nuisance and thousands of them are being herded across campus grounds by an older man with aspirations to be a famous musician on the Vegas strip. The dean of the university decides to take matters into his own hands by shooting them all with a Gatling gun on his wagon, that is very reminiscent of the famous scene in the original Django movie (not the Tarantino version). See? Complete nonsense.

Every aspect of this story is baffling and left me confused. Is it a supposed to be parody or satire on academic life? Also, why porcupines? What are they suppose to represent or symbolize? Beats me. Any underlying sociopolitical commentary went completely over my head. By now, I am used to his particular brand of outlandish humor but it didn't quite resonate with me as much. Nevertheless, it's short enough and slightly amusing at times to not be a complete waste of time.

Thursday 14 March 2024

Mono No Aware by Ken Liu

The Hopeful.

Ken Liu is quickly becoming one of my favorite short-story writers and his collection, "The Paper Menagerie" is filled with powerful imagination, evocative prose, tenderness and heartbreak. My goal is to review each story from this stunning collection and today we are starting with "Mono No Aware", which absolutely floored me. It is difficult to explain but there is a softness to Liu's lyrical prose combined with an underlying melancholy that just tugs on the heartstrings. 

The narrative unfolds with a familiar premise to the science fiction genre: Earth is destroyed during a catastrophic asteroid strike. During the evacuation, only a small number of humans can board a large vessel that is tasked to find another habitable planet for humanity to start over. This trope has been used countless times and is invariably cliché. However, in this story, it serves mainly as a backdrop for Liu to focus on rendering characters with striking authenticity while exploring themes of family, love, loss, sacrifice and the transitory nature of human existence. Indeed, the term mono no aware is a Japanese phrase meaning the awareness of impermanence and appreciating the fleeting beauty of life. By blending elements of science fiction with deep philosophical musings, the story transcends its genre trappings to offer a universal meditation on the human condition. In doing so, "Mono no Aware" achieves a rare and haunting pathos reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life itself. 

The story gains its emotional power through the character Hiroto, our first-person narrator and central protagonist. His poignant philosophical reflections and childhood flashbacks form the emotional core of the narrative. More specifically, the deeply cherished bond with his father amidst the chaos of Earth's impending destruction, serve as the beating heart of the story, infusing it with profound emotional depth and resonance. 

As the final act unfolds, it becomes evident that "Mono no Aware" is a narrative that eschews haste, opting instead for a deliberate and measured pace. Ken Liu's impressive storytelling technique is on full display as he carefully constructs each scene with precision, allowing the tension to simmer and the emotional stakes to heighten. Through patient and deliberate strokes, Liu guides the reader on a journey of personal revelation, culminating in Hiroto's momentous decision that holds the fate of humanity in the balance. This deliberate pacing not only serves to intensify the narrative's emotional impact but also underscores its rich thematic depth.


Wednesday 13 March 2024

The Garbage Collector by Ray Bradbury

🎵 "The Garbage man can! The Garbage man can, he does it with a smile and never judges you!"

The specter of nuclear annihilation looms large in Ray Bradbury's oeuvre, reflecting the pervasive anxiety of the Cold War era in which he thrived as a prominent writer. It's no surprise that the fear of the world's end held a prominent place in his creative consciousness. In this grim narrative, set against the backdrop of potential devastation, a garbage man grapples with the moral dilemma of either adhering to his duties or forsaking them when a new government mandate dictates that garbage trucks must transition to collecting the deceased in the aftermath of an atomic blast.

Bradbury's mastery shines through in his ability to craft short-stories that, while seemingly straightforward, are imbued with evocative imagery, profound themes, and sharp prose. Beyond delving into apocalyptic fears, Bradbury demonstrates a keen insight into the intricacies of domestic life and the experiences of the working class. He deftly transforms the mundane and everyday struggles of ordinary people into narratives that are not only compelling but also possess an eerie and haunting bleakness. 

Death and What Comes Next by Terry Pratchett

Stop pontificating and die already!!

I have never read the Disc World novels or anything else by Terry Pratchett for that matter. Reading 'Death and What Comes Next' felt like a breeze—quick, amusing, and good for a few chuckles. Sometimes, that's all you can really ask for with a comedic short-story. 

So, a philosopher and Death walk into a bar...well, not really. They both meet and the philosopher attempts to outwit the inevitable by expounding on the complex issues of multiverses, morality, ethics, and free will. Yet, Death, unyielding and ever-patient, challenges the philosopher with its own brand of sophisticated logic. It's akin to witnessing a chess match between a seasoned champion and an eager novice. The champion here is Death, already foreseeing victory from the outset. Much to his annoyance, he decides to indulge his opponent, mostly to run out the clock or maybe impart a lesson in the process. Death cleverly lulls the philosopher into a false sense of security with the belief that referencing 'Schrödinger's cat' theory will be enough to tip the scales of victory in his favor. 

Death's response and the final punch-line is enough to make this story worth-while if you're looking for a good chuckle.

You can read this story HERE.

Tuesday 12 March 2024

The Huntress by Sofia Samatar

Stealth mode, activated.

Here is another very short-story by an author that is new to me. "The Huntress" by Sofia Samatar only consists of eight small paragraphs and can be read before you even take a few sips of coffee. Yet, despite multiple readings, it still leaves me baffled and trying to explain the "plot" would be an exercise in futility. The vivid and poetic imagery is the most memorable aspect here. 

I'm picking up some serious magical realism vibes, and it's got all the fantasy fixings, but the plot is shrouded in more mystery than a wizard's cloak. Is it a parable, an allegory, a fable, or just some ancient folklore? Your guess is as good as mine, but hey, that's half the fun, right?

You can read this story HERE.

Embroidery by Ray Bradbury (1951)

Why panic when you can pick up a needle and thread?

On the eve of an impending nuclear annihilation, three older ladies are stitching embroidery on a porch. That's it. That's essentially the whole story in a nutshell. Simple and concise filled with beautiful prose and haunting imagery as to be expected from Mr. Bradbury. 

This is a very short-story, never outstaying its welcome while managing to convey a chilling sense of dread when facing imminent death. Instead of succumbing to panic, the friends embrace their inevitable fate with a poignant acceptance, opting to spend their final moments indulging in a cherished pastime together. 

The tight narrative structure ensures an economical use of language, consisting mostly of ambiguous dialogue that effectively builds tension as the looming threat grows closer. A stark contrast emerges as the ladies engage in the wholesome task of embroidery while the world teeters on the brink of complete destruction, evoking a poignant juxtaposition of normalcy against impending doom.