Review: That Story Isn't the Story by John Wiswell
Review of That Story Isn't the Story by John Wiswell (9033 words)
Uncanny Magazine, Issue Forty-Three : Purchase or Read Online
This Hugo and Nebula finalist and Locus Award winner novelette places a
striking tale of trauma and recovery in an urban fantasy setting.
The
details are often left to our imagination, but as we have likely
experienced in other stories, our imagination is quite capable of
conjuring up horrors to fill the gaps.
A supernatural creature
holds sway over his familiars, symbolic of the less fortunate who are
often preyed on by folks with bad intentions. Victims range from teens
to immigrants to gay people - people in difficult situations who are
likely to forget their own strength. And that brings us to the heart of
the story - recovering your own strength. That journey towards recovery
is exceedingly difficult to traverse, and it's made relatively
manageable when you have a support system and a semblance of
independence and the beginnings of a more comfortable and happier living
situation. All of which is beautifully described in this story.
The
title itself is so meaningful, as will be elaborated on when you read
the story. It's a wonderful way to reframe trauma and take control of
your own narrative.
A must read.
Support us on Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/ohjustbooks
Comments
Post a Comment