The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, December 2007

Cover by Cory and Catska Ench

“Osama Phone Home” by David Marusek is a bold choice to open December’s issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. This is the story of a group of old college friends who come together with one common goal—to track down Osama Bin Laden. They pool their collective talents, abilities, and contacts, from telecommunications expertise to biochemistry, and the American Curling Club is born. While the ACC grows in power and riches, it commits theft, fraud, poses as government officials, and generally runs amok in their attempts to catch the man they all obsess about. But, as the reader is consistently reminded, “they’re patriots”; therefore their actions are justified. Creative, witty, thoughtful, and surprising, this should be a thoroughly enjoyable read. Unfortunately, you have the feeling someone is sitting on your chest trying to jam a pill down your throat the whole way through. The political agenda is obvious and difficult to ignore long enough to enjoy the neat little story underneath.

Next up, Benjamin Rosenbaum and David Ackert’s collaboration, “Stray,” is a tale about an immortal called Ivan who has the power to read minds and control human thoughts and emotions. He pursued the idea of God all the way to the door of Heaven. But because of how he chose to get there, when he opened it, he was horrified at what he found. Now he has decided to live on earth honestly, without using his powers. A story about humanity and love, about choices and sacrifice, this is a beautifully touching narrative. Ivan is a superbly realised character, and the emotion and delicacy of the writing is what makes this piece really special.

The first of the two novelets in this issue is “The Bone Man” by Frederic S. Durbin. Jack Conlin is a contract killer on his way home from his latest hit when hunger, or something else, makes him turn off the highway. He makes his way to a small town that could be anywhere in rural America. In the diner, the locals tell Conlin a story about a supernatural being who resides in the town and shows himself once a year at the Halloween parade—to take place that night. Only visible to certain people, The Bone Man attracts visitors from miles away, without knowing why they’ve come, and when they leave, they don’t remember what they’ve seen. Interest piqued, Conlin decides to stick around. Atmospheric and well written, this is an enjoyable read. The character of the Bone Man is a clever creation, and the anticipation built up throughout the story is great. The narrative ranges from the comical to the macabre to the grotesque, which takes skill to achieve. Unfortunately, the somewhat predictable ending is a bit of a let down.

In M. Rickert’s “Don’t Ask,” a group of young boys are taken from a town by wolves and returned years later. Told from the point of view of the parents, the tale is one of fear turning into hatred and prejudice. The story is told in a very detached way that makes it difficult for the reader to feel any empathy or connection with the characters. This may well be intentional, unfortunately, that distance makes the story a little forgettable.

“Who Brought Tulips to The Moon?” by S. L. Gilbow is a socially conscious tale told with sensitivity and depth. In it, people who have lived too long and have become a social, economic, and environmental burden but are showing no sign of dying any time soon can make the decision to go to Smooth Passing—a centre to aid the passing of healthy people who want to die. Mr Hudson, a 94-year-old man who lives with his daughter and son-in-law has been bullied by his selfish, money conscious child to sign the papers and make the trip to Smooth Passing’s base on the Moon. There, Mr Hudson spends his last day and prepares to say goodbye to life. This story questions assumptions about life, longevity, and social responsibility and stays with you long after you finish reading it.

The issue closes with its second novelet, “Finisterra” by David Moles. Bianca Nazario grew up with a passion for aeronautical design. She studied her father’s work, and she had talent. Although her brother took over the family business, she was the one with the true flair, and so, when a huge contract is offered out that excludes her brother from bidding for it, Bianca tenders for it instead, little realising she will soon be forced to face some difficult legal and moral decisions, and the fate of thousands of people will rest on those choices. Set in the future, when major religious and political shifts have taken place, Arabic and Spanish are the dominant languages, and Muslim is the primary religion of the masses. Christians are persecuted and discriminated against, aliens and humans coexist, and large colonies of humans have moved away from Earth altogether. This is an imaginative and richly descriptive tale; the setting is well established for a short story, and the characters are excellently developed. Definitely one of the winners of this issue.