Posted by Lauren in Short Story Saturday | 4 Comments
Short Story Saturday: The Salt Sea and the Sky
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: The Salt Sea and the Sky
Author: Elizabeth Bear
Anthology: Brave New Love
Summary: Billie has always lived in Ireland. She’s never been out of her own country, because resources are low and she has no money. But when an opportunity presents itself, Billie finds herself willing to leave her family and girlfriend behind.
My thoughts: Now this is a good dystopian short story! I say this because the details of the dystopian world are subtle: we can see that the world is not what it used to be through the thoughts and actions of the protagonist, Billie. The way the author developed the world was perfect. Elizabeth Bear has broken the “dystopian short stories always leave you wanting more” stereotype!
Not only was the world well done, but the characterization of the protagonist was fantastic, too. I loved her devotion to her roots and her contrasting curiosity for the world beyond. I felt for her.
A solid thumbs-up for the second story in the Brave New Love anthology!
This one sounds good. Every weekend when I read your short story reviews I keep wanting to pick up more anthologies.
Oo this sounds like a fun story! I definitely need to start reading more short stories. Adding this anthology to my TBR :)
I’m glad to hear the second story fared better than the first :D Now I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this anthology.
Yay! Another good one for this anthology. Glad to know that you enjoyed it, Lauren!