It’s been an Irish-themed week for me: went to Dublin on
business, went to the local theatre to watch an Irish dancing and music show,
and ‘Albedo One’ arrived from the Emerald Isle. While I’ve been indulging in
Irish culture, ‘Albedo One’ has continued its international quest to bring us
the best speculative fiction written in languages other than English. The
editorial mentions several stories currently under translation and due to
appear in future issues. This is followed by a lengthy interview with James
Gunn, whose five decades in SF provide some interesting insights. Several book
reviews dotted through the magazine complete the quota of non-fiction and there
is a fine selection of six short stories.
‘The Better To See You With’ is Allison Francisco’s first
published story and the Aeon Award third place story. It’s an uncomfortable
read, about the mysterious Polaroid Man who stalks young boys in the local
playground. Told through the innocent eyes of one boy who doesn’t understand
what’s happening, it becomes clear that there’s
something even more sinister connected to the man’s camera. Written with great
attention to detail, it blends a harrowing story with elements of the bizarre.
Aaron Polson’s short and touching tale ‘Precious Metal’ is
set in a post-collapse future where an old man scavenges precious metals to pay
off the local gang. He uses his skills in metal-working for something far more
valuable and creates a wonderfully poignant existence.
In ‘The Nature Of Bees’ Priya Sharma describes a mysterious
country estate that seems lost in the middle-ages, full of strange rituals and
quaint attitudes. When a single woman moves into one of the estate cottages she
soon becomes captivated by the residents in a bucolic yet bewitching tale.
The most fun story of the issue is Martin Belderson’s ‘The
Hot Chocolate Rocket’, a title that is not a euphemism but actually concerns
the crazy scheme of two inventors to turn an abandoned silo at a biscuit
factory into a rocket. It’s entertaining and improbable, but provides a needed
break from the darker tone of the rest of the issue.
For its short length ‘The Child’ by Matthew F Perry is
remarkably chilling and effective. Especially considering that nothing much in
the way of action actually occurs. A harried mother leaves her odd child
temporarily under the watch of a bemused shelf-filler (though they’re now
called Shelf Replenishment Operatives apparently). That’s all I can say. You
have to read the rest yourself.
Bruce McAllister takes us to the Italian coast in ‘Heart Of
Hearts’, an idyllic tale of youthful adventures, shell collecting and a
mysterious girl on the beach. The story is told from the viewpoint of the boy
after he has grown up, which in some ways removes the immediacy of the action
and encounters, but on the other hand allows for greater introspection from the
narrator to weave the fantastical and historical elements around the story.
It’s a calming and reflective piece that perfectly captures that nostalgic air
of lost innocence.
The tone of the magazine generally aims for the fantastical
or softer science fiction, rather than hard SF or space opera. It’s a nicely
laid out, clear publication that maintains a high standard and continues to
attract a string of relatively well-know authors. I’m particularly looking
forward in future issues to seeing the translated stories from around the
world.
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