Helen De Cruz

This collection is intended to support a philosophy course, but the philosophical essays connected to each short story provide little more than the reason for the story’s inclusion. You probably need to go to the classes. However, the stories themselves are quite good. Adjoiners, by Lisa Shoenberg is the best, packing sci-fi and philosophy into an exciting and thought provoking package. The New Book of the Dead, by Sofia Samatar was also very good, but loses focus after a while. Hell is the Absence of God, by Ted Chiang presents a unique world view blending life and the afterlife. Although perfectly contained, I wonder what could be done with an expanded version. Out of the Dragon’s Womb, by Aliette de Bodard had a more subtle philosophical point, but was beautifully written. I look forward to reading more from these sci-fi authors.… (mere)