What I’m Reading – New Suns

New Suns-Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color By Nisi Shawl (2019) Simon and Schuster

I was excited when I saw this book was available for review. It’s the crossroads of two personal favorites—short stories and speculative fiction. If that second term is unfamiliar to you I first came across it in the late ‘60s, early ‘70s among writers who felt that the term “science fiction” was restrictive and outdated. Speculative fiction would not be held to the realm of spaceships and bug-eyed monsters. The goal was to open areas of exploration that could include any possible source for a story. Some of what emerged was pretentious and self-indulgent. The rest offered some astounding new ideas. For me, the term makes me think of the writing of Harlan Ellison, and the first title that comes to mind is “I Have No Mouth, But I Must Scream”. A psychological horror story in the realm of science fiction, it’s a tour de force.

So, I opened this volume with great anticipation and was rewarded in full measure. The stories range widely. Some take new approaches to familiar ideas, some introduce us to new concepts from other (meaning non-white/European) sources. Unifying them all is the quality of the writing.  Well told stories and carefully crafted words give the reader a satisfying experience.

Imagine my delight to discover a foreword by LeVar Burton. Burton’s career has been its own intersection of science fiction and books. He sets a high standard for the collection when he writes:

“These are voices that are sorely needed if we are to chart a course for humanity that does not result in the destructive practices of our past.”

I agree with Burton.  Best of all, these writers are up to leading us to the goal. The result is a fascinating collection of stories that grow from creative environments different from most of our reading. It is well worth your time to explore and savor.

As with any collection like this, not all the stories grabbed me, but none of them disappointed. I have starred (*) the stories that were my particular favorites.

• The Galactic Tourist Industrial Complex by Tobias Buckell—Earth is a second-rate planet trying to get by as a tourist attraction. And the newest attraction may be a problem.

• Deer Dance by Kathleen Alcala–Learning to live, and learning to dream.

• *The Virtue of Unfaithful Translation by Minsoo Kang– Sometimes the powerful are best served by an unfaithful servant.

• Come Home to Atropos by Steven Barnes–A new resort island with an ancient attraction.

• The Fine Print by Chinelo Onwualu–Be careful what you wish for, everything comes with a price.

• unkind of mercy by Alex Jennings–There are others, and sometimes they reach into our world. Then the world changes.

• Burn the Ships by Alberto Yanez

• The Freedom of the Shifting Sea by Jaymee Goh

• Three Variations on a Theme of Imperial Attire by E. Lily Yu

• Blood and Bells by Karin Lowachee

• Give Me Your Black Wings Oh Sister by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

• The Shadow We Cast Through Time by Indrapramit Das

• The Robots of Eden by Anil Menon

• *Dumb House by Andrea Hairston -The increasing growth of an information-based economy means that the pressure will grow on those who don’t want to play the game.

• One Easy Trick by Hiromi Goto

• Harvest by Rebecca Roanhorse

• *Kelsey and the Burdened Breath by Darcie Little Badger – The final breath is the departure of the spirit. But not all spirits go gently.

New Suns-Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color will be available on bookshelves around March 12.

I reviewed this book based on an Advance Reader Copy. It is consistent with my Review Standards.