Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby by Donald Barthelme

Hang em' high.

Donald Barthelme's "The School" is a classic short-story and my favorite of his thus far, but "Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby" is a close runner up. Or maybe it is my new favorite? I'm not sure yet. Regardless, this is an amazing short-story and worthy of the highest praise. Surrealism, absurdity and acerbic wit all wrapped up in a dark satire, this work is quintessential Donald Barthelme. 

The presence of anachronisms adds an intriguing layer of comedy, blurring temporal lines. It could be set in the untamed landscapes of the Wild West or possibly amidst the backdrop of contemporary times. Moreover, the meticulous craftsmanship of the narrative is remarkable. Each word and every sentence flows seamlessly with a purpose, while leaving no room for extraneous details. For anyone interested in the art of the short-story, look no further. 

So, what exactly did Colby do to betray his close friends that would make them want to turn on him? We never find out the exact reason but this leaves room for Bartheleme's satirical humor to shine. It is the ludicrous and convoluted procedures of bureaucracy that is attacked here, with particular emphasis on the nonsensical, inefficient and constant delays when it comes to decision making. While this could narrative technique could easily have become a gimmick, the author cleverly avoids such amateur pratfalls. Instead, the caustic social commentary is sharp and hilarious, skillfully driving the narrative towards its heartfelt conclusion. 

"Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby" stands out as one of the finest short stories I've had the pleasure of reading this year, earning it an esteemed place in my personal hall of fame.

You can read this story HERE

The Hundred-Light Year Diary by Greg Egan

Shunting.

Sometimes 'hard-science fiction' does not make for easy reading because it can feel like information overload, relying on devices like neologism, dialogism and complex scientific concepts that can be utterly perplexing. This is not meant to come across as a negative criticism of the genre. Any fan of science-fiction might be inclined to agree that this cognitive estrangement (coined by the SF critic Darko Suvin) is exciting in its unpredictability. It creates an intense curiosity, prompting the reader to engage with new concepts and think more critically about their own reality. The fun, at least for me, mostly resides in the pleasure of working out the underlying logic or "science" behind the author's vision.

In the case of "The Hundred-Light Year Diary", Greg Egan examines the concept of free will (or lack thereof) now that it is possible for the future self to communicate with their present self through a messaging system using light. However, this also means that the idea of history has now been altered, which can have major repercussions, both for the present and the future. Confused yet? Even though most of the science went way over the my head, the concept is fascinating, especially pertaining to the "gaps" found in these diary entries. In the current moment, the protagonist possesses foreknowledge of events through insights recorded in his future diary. Yet, as unanticipated situations unfold, some intense philosophical and moral conundrums emerge: how does one navigate the unforeseen within the framework of a preordained destiny? What is historical truth and can it be trusted? 

In essence, this story is a total mind-trip that leaves the reader with many unanswered questions. The hard-science fiction encapsulate a rich complexity that might initially feel overwhelming due to its multitude of layered elements: Metaphysics, neurophysiology, ontology, information, disinformation, time-traveling paradoxes to name a few. I anticipate that my appreciation for "The Hundred-Light Year Diary" will continue to blossom with each successive reading. The abundance of information, initially challenging to fully grasp on the first read, promises a deeper understanding upon subsequent explorations.

The Cutie by Greg Egan

ga-ga-goo-goo.

Greg Egan strikes again with another banger! While not as mind-blowingly awesome as "The Infinite Assassin", it still feels distinctly Egan-esque: a thought-provoking science-fiction tale full of cool ideas with a razor-sharp and concise writing style that makes for an immersive reading experience. In "The Cutie," Egan proposes an interesting question: what if technology existed that made it possible for all genders to have babies? No, this story is nothing like that terrible comedy Junior with Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

The male protagonist yearns for fatherhood and to embrace the joys of parenthood. Unfortunately, his wife feels differently, remaining steadfast in her decision to forgo having to give birth and raise children. This fundamental disagreement becomes the catalyst for their eventual separation. Feeling hopeless, he decides to purchase a Cutie--a sophisticated  software and computer kit that comes comes in the mail. The protagonist is apprehensive at first and struggles with the controversial decision to be impregnated with a clone baby. There are definitely some body horror elements present as well. 

Regardless of gender, the program allows the user to choose the baby's appearance down to the the smallest detail before the DNA is manipulated and fertilization occurs. The science behind this process is fascinating and feels totally plausible. Achieving such a seamless fusion of scientific speculation with narrative execution stands as a main objective for any exemplary hard science fiction narrative, and Greg Egan makes it look easy. 

However, these artificial babies come with a few caveats: Cuties have subhuman intelligence and are more like pets. They might look identical to babies and emulate various mannerisms such as smiling and babbling, but they will never learn to speak, walk or feed themselves without assistance. Does this make them any less human? Adding to the complexity, a poignant concern arises – their life expectancy is a mere four years before they quietly expire. Nurturing an emotional connection with them becomes a precarious endeavor, one that proves challenging to resist despite the inevitable heartache it may bring. 

Furthermore, the story examines the multifaceted landscape of gender politics and reproduction along with the extraordinary lengths individuals are willing to traverse to embark on the profound journey of parenthood. The exploration of these themes resonates with an unexpected poignancy that not only challenges societal norms but also draws upon the deeply human longing for connection with a child.

Rebecca by Donald Barthelme

Hi!

Two literary features often found in Donald Barthelme's short-stories is brevity and playfulness. He utilizes a wide variety of techniques, tones and styles but the concise framework allows for a more experimental approach. This particular story feels indicative of his postmodernist sensibilities, embracing the absurd while moving away from conventional plot, characterization and subjectivity. The most striking aspect of "Rebecca" is the intrusive narrative voice that is omniscient but also interjects, comments and inserts themselves directly into the story. Indeed, it is this meta-narrative and self-reflexivity that evinces much of the playful humor, blurring the boundaries between fiction and art. 

The opening line highlights the author's penchant for surreal and absurdist humor: "Rebecca Lizard was trying to change her ugly, reptilian, thoroughly unacceptable last name. "Lizard," said the judge. "Lizard, Lizard, Lizard, Lizard. There's nothing wrong with it if you say it enough times. You can't clutter up the court's calendar with trivial little minor irritations." 

Very funny stuff. 

Yet, there is a deeper meaning behind the absurd and satirical humor where a certain philosophical effect derives from playfully reveling in this multiplicity of narrative voices. Barthelme is some kind literary virtuoso, using Rebecca's existential dread of having an unfavorable last name as a springboard to explore complex issues of unconditional love, relationships, acceptance, self-compassion, life and death. It's quite remarkable that he manages to pull off this feat in such a limited amount of space.

The Dragon by Ray Bradbury (1955)

Dragonforce!!

Here is another middle-tier offering from Bradbury--it's decent and well-written but probably won't leave a lasting impression. I have always admired his concise storytelling capabilities and ability to subvert genre conventions. This is a very short story and the brevity heightens the brisk pacing and suspense. Bradbury is playing around with some familiar fantasy tropes and medieval folklore involving knights and dragons. In this story, a large and vicious dragon has wrecked havoc in some undisclosed land and two knights are on a mission to slay it. They have been tracking it for several days across the desolate moors and the inherent fear of eventually encountering the dragon is palpable. Bradbury's poetic and vivid descriptions are on display without detracting from building momentum towards the inevitable showdown. I won't spoil the ending but let's just say it is certainly a little jarring, further highlighting Bradbury's creative finesse to deliver the unexpected.  

The New Boyfriend by Kelly Link

 The Twilight comparisons are inevitable. 

Despite the initial allure, 'The New Boyfriend' leaves one with a sense of unfulfilled potential, revealing itself as a curious, if somewhat uneven, addition to Kelly Link's unique repertoire. Hailing from her Pulitzer prize nominated collection, 'Get in Trouble,' I selected this story on a whim and it turned out to be mostly disappointing. Moreover, it would probably be more impactful if it were, in fact, shorter in length. Regrettably, the narrative is somewhat bloated, hindered by an excess of superfluous details that veers awfully close to novella territory. These unnecessary detours causes the story to stumble along before hitting a brick wall, ultimately contributing to a lackluster conclusion.

I recently reviewed another teenage girl coming of age story called "One Hundred-Percent Humidity" but Link's work could not be more different. Even though both stories involve a young female protagonist navigating social pressures and relationships for the first time, "New Boyfriend" is far more tame and whimsical. Anchored within the urban fantasy genre, the story fully embraces its supernatural quirkiness. Perhaps it is somewhat of a stretch, but to me, the story often felt like a Twilight parody if you replaced the brooding vampire boyfriends with ghosts. The young female protagonist, Imogen (although everyone calls her Immy), falls in love with her best friend's boyfriend who just so happens to be a ghost. Despite the seemingly absurd premise, it is convincing enough in this fantastical setting. On a more positive note, Link adeptly captures the complexities of teenage angst and shifting friendship dynamics that sometimes feel performative. In a supernatural context, the author manages to poignantly explore Imogen's internal struggle with friendships and young love (with a ghost!), highlighting the challenges inherent in navigating the tumultuous landscape of youth and relationships. 

 Also, here is a random nitpick: Why are these teenager girls always guzzling absinthe like it's water without any adverse side effects? 

The Infinite Assassin by Greg Egan

Whirlpools and measure zero.

Greg Egan is some kind of enigmatic, sci-fi literary genius. I don't remember the last time I encountered a short-story that was so intensely gripping where it felt like I needed to catch my breath after reaching the final sentence. "The Infinite Assassin" is a non-stop, adrenaline pumping, high-octane cyberpunk thriller! It is a masterclass in storytelling and impeccable narrative pacing. Devoid of any extraneous details, the writing is so tightly polished with a mind-bending plot that is utterly fascinating while leaving you on the edge of your seat the entire way through. 

As hinted by the title, the protagonist is a time traveling assassin. He works for "The Company" and has been tasked with tracking down a cult using a highly powerful drug called "S" that can alter realities. Get ready to embark on a thrilling ride through multiple dimensions, parallel worlds, alter-egos, shifting universes, time-traveling paradoxes, cults, and a myriad of cyberpunk coolness all intricately woven into a riveting narrative. Greg Egan fuses hard-science fiction with masterful storytelling techniques, yielding a dazzling spectacle of imagination that crescendos to an ending that will surely knock your socks off. 

One Hundred Percent Humidity by Michelle Lyn King

Unmasking the social pressures of teenage sex.

Discovering the sheer number of free literary works online, particularly short stories, continues to be truly astonishing. In an attempt to explore more 'contemporary fiction', these various online publications have been crucial in expanding my reading horizons. Not to mention, they have introduced me to a plethora of new writers and literary works that otherwise would not be on my radar. Michelle Lyn King's "One Hundred Percent Humidity" falls into this category and I can safely say, without a shadow of a doubt, that it takes the prize for the most disturbing and uncomfortable reading experiences in recent memory. 

As a coming of age story, the author is going for pure shock-value here. It utilizes a narrative framework of psychological realism in depicting the trauma of a fourteen year girl navigating the complexities of peer pressure associated with losing her virginity. This is not necessarily a negative criticism of the work itself. By focusing on the protagonist's inner world, the narrative aspires to eschew with the mere scrutiny of reckless teenage behavior. Instead of inviting searing condemnation, this framework encourages readers to empathize with the young girl, particularly during moments of heightened vulnerability. Trigger warning: this story contains several graphic scenes of teenagers engaged in sexual activities. Please stay far away if you find this subject matter offensive.

Go ahead, feel free to label me as old fashioned or a prude; maybe I'm simply accustomed to a more subtle, poetic approach in the depiction of sexuality in literature. Yet, it seems a multitude of Gen Z writers, such as Michelle Lyn King, boldly embrace an unapologetic stance against such censorship, while pushing the boundaries of certain literary expectations. I can respect this radical approach but it's just not my cup of earl grey. 

I find myself conflicted about the overall merits of this story. On the one hand, the author successfully crafts a provocative and shocking depiction of teenage sexuality. At the same time, it is difficult for me to overlook the blatant sensationalism employed for dramatic effect, revealing a narrative that, despite its surface intrigue, seems to lack a more profound underlying significance. I'm left with two nagging questions: who is the target audience for this story and what deeper meaning does it strive to communicate about teenage sexuality that isn't already apparent?

How to Travel with a Salmon by Umberto Eco

"Honey, don't forget to pack your salmon for work!"

Now this is how you write an effective comedic short-story! Umberto Eco has always been one of those intimidating authors for me but this delightfully absurd tale was quite accessible and hilarious from start to finish. Shorter in length than most short-stories, this is a lightning-quick read and never skips a beat. To give you an idea of the kind of zany humor you will encounter here, the opening sentence sets the tone for Eco's off-beat humor and acerbic wit: "According to the newspapers, there are two chief problems that beset the modern world: the invasion of the computer, and the alarming extension of the Third World. The newspapers are right, and I know it." Or, how about: "I asked for a lawyer, and they brought me an avocado." Even without context, these lines are funny to me.

In the hands of a less adept writer, this whimsical story would be doomed to fail. The protagonist is an author visiting Sweden and encounters all sorts of tomfoolery and miscommunication with hotel staff after storing a recently purchased salmon in his hotel room's mini-fridge. Yet, despite the absurdity of this premise, there is a cohesive logic to the comedic narrative. Profoundly entertaining, Eco's wry humor and intellectual playfulness emphasize the absurdities of life inherent in the human experience.

You can read this story HERE.