Posted by Lauren in Short Story Saturday | 3 Comments
Short Story Saturday: Hidden Ribbon
In an effort to help myself read more short fiction, I’ve started a weekly feature—Short Story Saturday! Every Saturday, I’ll give my thoughts on a story from an anthology. I’m currently working my way through Brave New Love, which came out in February 2012 from Running Press.
Short Story: Hidden Ribbon
Author: John Shirley
Anthology: Brave New Love
Summary: Giorgio is on the run from people who want his money. While swinging from one dilapidated high-rise to the next, he finds haven in a room that looks to be occupied. Its resident is Felice—a girl with a gun.
My thoughts: This is the first story in the Brave New Love anthology, and I have to admit that I wasn’t impressed. It’s difficult to build an entire world within the confines of 30 or so pages, which is, unfortunately, the case with Hidden Ribbon. The author spends a lot of time describing the scenery, but nothing really stands out. The characters’ chemistry is almost nonexistent, and the final resolution seems easy. I honestly doubt that I’ll remember this story after finishing the anthology.
Brave New Love isn’t off to a great start, but I’m still going to continue reading. Hopefully next week’s story will be more engaging!
That’s really disappointing, Lauren! I thought this looked like an interesting anthology. I can’t wait to see what you think of the other stories, though.
That story doesn’t really sound that great. Hopefully the other ones will be a bit better. I like the cover though.:)
I’m sad to hear the first story in this anthology wasn’t a hit. I’ve been wondering about it because I adore dystopian/post-apocalyptic, but I find it hard to believe that an entire fantastical world can built in such a small space.
I look forward to reading your opinions on the rest of the anthology :]