Before we started The Supernova Review, Alan posted a story by story review of Interzone 297 in January-February on social media. We’ve gathered his story notes here.
Cover by Martin Hanford.
Drink The Kombucha! by Daniel Bennett
A great opening to the latest issue, but you may not want to follow the advice of the title if parasitic brews are not your cup of tea… Some wonderful ideas in this story coupled with colourful characters make for a fun and thought-provoking read.
The Baby Spoon by Ivy Grimes
So, who murdered Ava Silverman? Who does the baby spoon belong to? Why is Willy always so damned tired? And what about those local Satanists! The answer to these questions may surprise you in this occult murder mystery set amongst the urban malaise of the Bible Belt.
Lights of the New World by Paul E. Franz
A far-reaching and very ‘different’ kind of post-apocalyptic quest drama you really don’t want to miss. Written with great skill and originality. Only Maria knows what happened, and no one else ever will; but the human race is forced to start again in this emotionally intelligent and fiercely realistic story of survival.
Are You a Bad Girl? (Cosmo Quiz, November 1982) By Rachael Cupp
The mundane and the extraordinary combine in this urban internal monologue of adolescent love, fears and obsessions. Only, it’s not quite what you think! Comedy turns to tragedy and the trivial soon becomes so very poignant.
Escobar Medina Plays God by Dante Luiz
Bianca Medina is having a baby, even though she’s infertile. Her husband is trans, and the future of conception is about to be played out very publicly. Nature, nurture and genetics are called into question in this provocative story of parenthood.
In the Pines by Jennifer R. Donohue
The quest for a lost mother through forest and field, and the wiles of a friendly fox. Told by an authentic young voice raised by soldier and witch. The unquestioning actions of childhood are wonderfully explored in this tale of love and rescue.
Settlers by James Sallis
The vicissitudes of a post-apocalyptic world in which hope and despair exist side by side, and visions of rebuilding what once was are challenged by the realities of human nature. Governments rise and fall, but through it all the ordinary people must find a way to survive.
Wesley Not-There by Tim Major
Rosalie is missing her brother after he died in a tragic accident, but the ‘thing’ at Rattlers Pit is not him – is it? Find out in this vivid, creepy tale of invisible lives and shocking revelations.
Breathe Me a Breeze, Paint Me a Sea by Cécile Cristofari
A man and his daughter sit in a cafe and hear a strange story from an elderly regular, who then mysteriously disappears. This story brings the fabric of reality subtly into question, but the implications are as unsettling as the ghostly diners surrounding him. Loved this one.
Buy Interzone #297
Leave a Reply