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Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 205, October 2023
October 2023 issue (#205) contains:
Original fiction by Suzanne Palmer ("Possibly Just About A Couch"), Lavie Tidhar ("The Blaumilch"), Lisa Papademetriou ("Down To The Root"), David Goodman ("Such Is My Idea Of Happiness"), Bella Han ("De Profundis, a Space Love Letter"), Grace Chan ("Post Hacking for the Uninitiated"), Amal Singh ("Rafi"), and Michael Swanwick ("Timothy: An Oral History").
Non-fiction includes an article by Carrie Sessarego, interviews with Kij Johnson and Margret Helgadottir, and an editorial by Neil Clarke.
Original fiction by Suzanne Palmer ("Possibly Just About A Couch"), Lavie Tidhar ("The Blaumilch"), Lisa Papademetriou ("Down To The Root"), David Goodman ("Such Is My Idea Of Happiness"), Bella Han ("De Profundis, a Space Love Letter"), Grace Chan ("Post Hacking for the Uninitiated"), Amal Singh ("Rafi"), and Michael Swanwick ("Timothy: An Oral History").
Non-fiction includes an article by Carrie Sessarego, interviews with Kij Johnson and Margret Helgadottir, and an editorial by Neil Clarke.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2023
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Neil Clarke
400 books399 followersNeil Clarke is best known as the editor and publisher of the Hugo and World Fantasy Award-winning
Clarkesworld Magazine.
Launched in October 2006, the online magazine has been a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Semiprozine four times (winning three times), the World Fantasy Award four times (winning once), and the British Fantasy Award once (winning once). Neil is also a ten-time finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Editor Short Form (winning once in 2022), three-time winner of the Chesley Award for Best Art Director, and a recipient of the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award. In the fifteen years since Clarkesworld Magazine launched, numerous stories that he has published have been nominated for or won the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Sturgeon, Locus, BSFA, Shirley Jackson, WSFA Small Press, and Stoker Awards.
Additionally, Neil edits Forever —a digital-only, reprint science fiction magazine he launched in 2015. His anthologies include: Upgraded, Galactic Empires, Touchable Unreality, More Human than Human, The Final Frontier, Not One of Us, The Eagle has Landed, , and the Best Science Fiction of the Year series. His next anthology, The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Seven will published in early 2023.
He currently lives in New Jersey with his wife and two sons.
Additionally, Neil edits Forever —a digital-only, reprint science fiction magazine he launched in 2015. His anthologies include: Upgraded, Galactic Empires, Touchable Unreality, More Human than Human, The Final Frontier, Not One of Us, The Eagle has Landed, , and the Best Science Fiction of the Year series. His next anthology, The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Seven will published in early 2023.
He currently lives in New Jersey with his wife and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
partially-read
February 19, 2024So far, of this issue, I have read (I did try Suzanne Palmer's Couch piece, and will try again, it is so weird but that makes it worthy of a more decent attempt from my part):
February 1st, 2024:
Timothy: An Oral History by Michael Swanwick
So an oral history, piecewise, an imaginary future and a reflection on gender codes, and Swanwick just nails everything. The voices of the characters, how humans tick the little details, the future history in background, a decent ending. Ratings are hard and all that, but if I had to, 4.5 stars rounded up, because it is just polished and a great example of what a sf short story can be.
February 18th, 2024:
Such Is My Idea Of Happiness by Such Is My Idea Of Happiness by David Goodman, novelette length, a classic (Bradbury/Orwell kind) medium-near future story, a half drowned London (with the tube still working. Damn I wanted more on that engineering...), the british class system hyped to the max with the sleepless haves (have everything), the sleep deprived red-eyed middle class serving them directly and far off the masses of sec0ndary living outside the walls. It was good, with this classic vibe which works and competent storytelling. As criticism, it did not bring anything too extra or unexpected to the table though, not even extra rage (I was mentally comparing to Ogres, which is an unfair comparison for length and all). A solid 4 stars if I had to rate - keeping in mind I am very biased towards sf, and particularly in classic styles...
February 1st, 2024:
Timothy: An Oral History by Michael Swanwick
So an oral history, piecewise, an imaginary future and a reflection on gender codes, and Swanwick just nails everything. The voices of the characters, how humans tick the little details, the future history in background, a decent ending. Ratings are hard and all that, but if I had to, 4.5 stars rounded up, because it is just polished and a great example of what a sf short story can be.
February 18th, 2024:
Such Is My Idea Of Happiness by Such Is My Idea Of Happiness by David Goodman, novelette length, a classic (Bradbury/Orwell kind) medium-near future story, a half drowned London (with the tube still working. Damn I wanted more on that engineering...), the british class system hyped to the max with the sleepless haves (have everything), the sleep deprived red-eyed middle class serving them directly and far off the masses of sec0ndary living outside the walls. It was good, with this classic vibe which works and competent storytelling. As criticism, it did not bring anything too extra or unexpected to the table though, not even extra rage (I was mentally comparing to Ogres, which is an unfair comparison for length and all). A solid 4 stars if I had to rate - keeping in mind I am very biased towards sf, and particularly in classic styles...
October 27, 2023
A mixed bag of stories, as usual. It doesn't bother me because I expect to encounter stories and authors I might not otherwise discover. I found the nonfiction article on Gardening in Science Fiction tiresome. Two things particularly bugged me. One was the reference to " the 1982 musical version of Little Shop of Horrors (which was followed by a 1986 film adaptation.) No mention that the musical was based on the 1960 movie by Roger Corman (and with a bit part by Jack Nicholson). The next to last paragraph starts: "If all our nutritional needs could be met by simple supplement, as in Solyent Green (1975), would we still crave fresh strawberries, as they do in the movie?" Is Sessarego (the author) being intentionally ironic by not referencing what Solyent Green was made from? Unfortunately to me it appears that the author doesn't know.
October 12, 2023
An average issue, with interesting stories by Suzanne Palmer, David Goodman, Amal Singh and a humorous story by Michael Swanwick.
- “Possibly Just About A Couch” by Suzanne Palmer: in the beginning, a couch emerged. We follow its journey through space and time, until it ends up on the Earth, and then far into the future, when an intelligence ‘sits’ on it for the last time.
- “The Blaumilch” by Lavie Tidhar: on the Mars that we know, a settler pines for the Mars that Might Be, only to find peace by digging for a Mars that could be.
- “Down To The Root” by Lisa Papademetriou: two people find themselves working together in space, servicing satellites and other objects, at a time when open conflict is breaking-out between two warring parties. They find companionship with each other and learn about each other’s reasons for leaving their home worlds for where they are. But when disaster strikes, one person is determined to bring another one home to complete the circle of belief.
- “Such Is My Idea Of Happiness” by David Goodman: a story set in a future when an elite few controls the country and can live without sleeping. But they still depend on ‘normal’ people who can still dream and use intuition for work, but now worked to the point of sleepless fatigue. But one day, one man is offered a chance to get away and bring down that world with his intuitive skill and earn a well deserved rest.
- “De Profundis, a Space Love Letter” by Bella Han: a story of a space traveller who, one day, discovers a treasure that has been lost to mankind since the day machines took over the job of telling stories. But the telling of the story would involve the reader.
- “Post Hacking for the Uninitiated” by Grace Chan: as the story begins, a hacker has just pulled off a massive hack to release secret information. But now, she is being subject to a hack herself, revealing her own secrets.
- “Rafi” by Amal Singh: a daughter finds an unusual seed, which sprouts with a strange ability. Unfortunately, that ability is forbidden in the community which the daughter grows up in, a community that constantly monitors its inhabitants for rebellious behaviour. But perhaps it would all end with one final act of rebellion when the seed has grown up.
- “Timothy: An Oral History” by Michael Swanwick: a hilarious story set in a future where a Professor of Genomic Obstetrics does an act of genetic manipulation that sets off a social chain reaction in a society that has developed without a certain genetic personality.
- “Possibly Just About A Couch” by Suzanne Palmer: in the beginning, a couch emerged. We follow its journey through space and time, until it ends up on the Earth, and then far into the future, when an intelligence ‘sits’ on it for the last time.
- “The Blaumilch” by Lavie Tidhar: on the Mars that we know, a settler pines for the Mars that Might Be, only to find peace by digging for a Mars that could be.
- “Down To The Root” by Lisa Papademetriou: two people find themselves working together in space, servicing satellites and other objects, at a time when open conflict is breaking-out between two warring parties. They find companionship with each other and learn about each other’s reasons for leaving their home worlds for where they are. But when disaster strikes, one person is determined to bring another one home to complete the circle of belief.
- “Such Is My Idea Of Happiness” by David Goodman: a story set in a future when an elite few controls the country and can live without sleeping. But they still depend on ‘normal’ people who can still dream and use intuition for work, but now worked to the point of sleepless fatigue. But one day, one man is offered a chance to get away and bring down that world with his intuitive skill and earn a well deserved rest.
- “De Profundis, a Space Love Letter” by Bella Han: a story of a space traveller who, one day, discovers a treasure that has been lost to mankind since the day machines took over the job of telling stories. But the telling of the story would involve the reader.
- “Post Hacking for the Uninitiated” by Grace Chan: as the story begins, a hacker has just pulled off a massive hack to release secret information. But now, she is being subject to a hack herself, revealing her own secrets.
- “Rafi” by Amal Singh: a daughter finds an unusual seed, which sprouts with a strange ability. Unfortunately, that ability is forbidden in the community which the daughter grows up in, a community that constantly monitors its inhabitants for rebellious behaviour. But perhaps it would all end with one final act of rebellion when the seed has grown up.
- “Timothy: An Oral History” by Michael Swanwick: a hilarious story set in a future where a Professor of Genomic Obstetrics does an act of genetic manipulation that sets off a social chain reaction in a society that has developed without a certain genetic personality.
December 17, 2023
An issue that started off strong but which landed in very "meh" territory.
Possibly Just About A Couch by Suzanne Palmer - DNF
A story about a couch which might be the universe? Honestly, I had no clue what it what about after a few pages so it was an easy DNF for me.
The Blaumilch by Lavie Tidhar - 4*
A young man living an aimless life in The Mars that Never Was group? cult? discovers that the Mars that is might be more interesting than something he can only grasp a few minutes here and there on virtual reality.
The worldbuilding was vivid and the humor completely worked for me which is usually the case with Tidhar's work.
Down To The Root by Lisa Papademetriou - 5*
A young woman tries to save her colleage after an accident in space.
I loved the world and I wanted this story to be longer. In a few pages, the author managed to create fascinating characters and world with different cultures.
Such is my Idea of Happiness by David Goodman - 5*
A young man working in finance on very little sleep and lots of stimulants like other red eyes wants to secure a promotion to earn a little more sleeping time.
The idea was great and it reminded me of old schools dystopias (like 1984) with a modern twist. The pacing was right, the atmosphere was right. Really good.
De Profundis, a Space Love Letter by Bella Han - 4*
A human rediscovers books after centuries of AI-written stories. A beautiful love letter to the power of stories. The narration style was interesting and the world felt detailed and alive.
Post Hacking for the Uninitiated by Grace Chan - DNF
The beginning of the story was interesting but it lost me after a while.
Rafi by Amal Singh - 3*
Reminded me of Borne by Jeff Vandermeer but without the emotional connection. Average story.
Timothy: An Oral History by Michael Swanwick 2*
In a world populated by women, the birth of a man shatters everything.
I didn't like this story, even the idea of the premise was awkward to me. The ending felt very icky as well.
Possibly Just About A Couch by Suzanne Palmer - DNF
A story about a couch which might be the universe? Honestly, I had no clue what it what about after a few pages so it was an easy DNF for me.
The Blaumilch by Lavie Tidhar - 4*
A young man living an aimless life in The Mars that Never Was group? cult? discovers that the Mars that is might be more interesting than something he can only grasp a few minutes here and there on virtual reality.
The worldbuilding was vivid and the humor completely worked for me which is usually the case with Tidhar's work.
Down To The Root by Lisa Papademetriou - 5*
A young woman tries to save her colleage after an accident in space.
I loved the world and I wanted this story to be longer. In a few pages, the author managed to create fascinating characters and world with different cultures.
Such is my Idea of Happiness by David Goodman - 5*
A young man working in finance on very little sleep and lots of stimulants like other red eyes wants to secure a promotion to earn a little more sleeping time.
The idea was great and it reminded me of old schools dystopias (like 1984) with a modern twist. The pacing was right, the atmosphere was right. Really good.
De Profundis, a Space Love Letter by Bella Han - 4*
A human rediscovers books after centuries of AI-written stories. A beautiful love letter to the power of stories. The narration style was interesting and the world felt detailed and alive.
Post Hacking for the Uninitiated by Grace Chan - DNF
The beginning of the story was interesting but it lost me after a while.
Rafi by Amal Singh - 3*
Reminded me of Borne by Jeff Vandermeer but without the emotional connection. Average story.
Timothy: An Oral History by Michael Swanwick 2*
In a world populated by women, the birth of a man shatters everything.
I didn't like this story, even the idea of the premise was awkward to me. The ending felt very icky as well.
September 23, 2024
First time reading Clarkesworld (sci fi short story serial magazine). My favorites were Ellen Han’s “De Profundis, a Space Love Letter” and Amal Singh’s “Ravi”.
May 7, 2024
I read "De Profundus, a Space Love Letter" by Bella Han as a potential Hugo nomination.
January 23, 2024
I ended up enjoying this issue, despite a very shaky start and three rather meh stories.
“Possibly Just About a Coach” by Suzanne Palmer – a whimsical and very short piece about a couch, the universe, and everything. I’ve read similar stuff before and this author’s stories are usually better. 3.3 stars, I guess
“The Blaumilch” by Lavie Tidhar – a fully realized, vivid world. The story takes place on Mars, it’s the outback, and people are just living their lives, finding out who they are. Brilliant. 5 stars.
“Down to the Root” by Lisa Papademetriou – the galaxy may be huge, and human lives small… But life, loss, friendship, and debts paid never fade. 4.8 stars.
“Such is My Idea of Happiness” by David Goodman – in a dystopian England, the gene-manipulated minority rules. Maybe there is a way out? I liked the world-building, but the story itself did not make me feel anything. 3.6 stars.
“De Profundis, a Space Love Letter” by Bella Han – in a universe where all stories are written and recycled by machines, there are no more stories that move hearts. There are lots of cool descriptions, but little plot. 3.6 stars.
“Post Hacking for the Uninitiated” by Grace Chan – hackers extraordinaire take on a corrupt government. People can be hacked too… Well-written, imaginative, moving. I want to spend more time with these characters! 4.9 stars.
“Rafi” by Amal Singh – in a dystopian society, a seed grows into something amazing. I loved everything about this story. 4.9 stars.
“Timothy: An Oral History” by Michael Swanwick – it’s a new world, a world without men. An excellent and well-written thought experiment. The characters and their different voices are very believable, it’s impressive for such a short story. 4.4 stars.
“Possibly Just About a Coach” by Suzanne Palmer – a whimsical and very short piece about a couch, the universe, and everything. I’ve read similar stuff before and this author’s stories are usually better. 3.3 stars, I guess
“The Blaumilch” by Lavie Tidhar – a fully realized, vivid world. The story takes place on Mars, it’s the outback, and people are just living their lives, finding out who they are. Brilliant. 5 stars.
“Down to the Root” by Lisa Papademetriou – the galaxy may be huge, and human lives small… But life, loss, friendship, and debts paid never fade. 4.8 stars.
“Such is My Idea of Happiness” by David Goodman – in a dystopian England, the gene-manipulated minority rules. Maybe there is a way out? I liked the world-building, but the story itself did not make me feel anything. 3.6 stars.
“De Profundis, a Space Love Letter” by Bella Han – in a universe where all stories are written and recycled by machines, there are no more stories that move hearts. There are lots of cool descriptions, but little plot. 3.6 stars.
“Post Hacking for the Uninitiated” by Grace Chan – hackers extraordinaire take on a corrupt government. People can be hacked too… Well-written, imaginative, moving. I want to spend more time with these characters! 4.9 stars.
“Rafi” by Amal Singh – in a dystopian society, a seed grows into something amazing. I loved everything about this story. 4.9 stars.
“Timothy: An Oral History” by Michael Swanwick – it’s a new world, a world without men. An excellent and well-written thought experiment. The characters and their different voices are very believable, it’s impressive for such a short story. 4.4 stars.
December 18, 2023
Clarkesworld Magazine issue #205 (October, 2023). You can read the stories online or listen to the podcast, hosted and narrated by the lovely Kate Baker https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/prio...
Consider supporting them on Patreon.
Onwards with more high quality sci-fi offerings:
Possibly Just About A Couch by Suzanne Palmer
The Blaumilch by Lavie Tidhar
Down To The Root by Lisa Papademetriou
Such Is My Idea Of Happiness by David Goodman
De Profundis, a Space Love Letter by Bella Han
Post Hacking for the Uninitiated by Grace Han
Rafi by Amal Singh
and Timothy: An Oral History by Michael Swanwick.
All stories were exceptional and very diverse, a strong issue this month. If I have to highlight two, I really liked Post Hacking for the Uninitiated by Grace Han, and Rafi by Amal Singh.
(I didn’t read the three non-fiction offerings).
Themes: sci-fi, fantasy, space opera, dystopian, AI, aliens.
4 Stars
Consider supporting them on Patreon.
Onwards with more high quality sci-fi offerings:
Possibly Just About A Couch by Suzanne Palmer
The Blaumilch by Lavie Tidhar
Down To The Root by Lisa Papademetriou
Such Is My Idea Of Happiness by David Goodman
De Profundis, a Space Love Letter by Bella Han
Post Hacking for the Uninitiated by Grace Han
Rafi by Amal Singh
and Timothy: An Oral History by Michael Swanwick.
All stories were exceptional and very diverse, a strong issue this month. If I have to highlight two, I really liked Post Hacking for the Uninitiated by Grace Han, and Rafi by Amal Singh.
(I didn’t read the three non-fiction offerings).
Themes: sci-fi, fantasy, space opera, dystopian, AI, aliens.
4 Stars
May 23, 2024
Possibly Just About A Couch BY SUZANNE PALMER
This is bizarre. The beginning of the universe and whatever else, and a couch? 1 ⭐
The Blaumilch BY LAVIE TIDHAR
A cyborg (can't describe it better) is trying to find purpose in his life on Mars. The story is quite dry tho. 2 ⭐
Down To The Root BY LISA PAPADEMETRIOU
I like the concept of being a Cercian: their life is in a cycle, like Mothra or Phoenix. In a way they're immortal. Other aspects of the story is B. 2 ⭐
Such Is My Idea Of Happiness BY DAVID GOODMAN
Interesting world building where citizens are modified to work and not sleep. The happiness defined is to be able to rest. 4 ⭐
De Profundis, a Space Love Letter BY BELLA HAN
Post Hacking for the Uninitiated BY GRACE CHAN
Rafi BY AMAL SINGH
Timothy: An Oral History BY MICHAEL SWANWICK
This format seems like court testimony. Also, whatever this means. 1 ⭐
This is bizarre. The beginning of the universe and whatever else, and a couch? 1 ⭐
The Blaumilch BY LAVIE TIDHAR
A cyborg (can't describe it better) is trying to find purpose in his life on Mars. The story is quite dry tho. 2 ⭐
Down To The Root BY LISA PAPADEMETRIOU
I like the concept of being a Cercian: their life is in a cycle, like Mothra or Phoenix. In a way they're immortal. Other aspects of the story is B. 2 ⭐
Such Is My Idea Of Happiness BY DAVID GOODMAN
Interesting world building where citizens are modified to work and not sleep. The happiness defined is to be able to rest. 4 ⭐
De Profundis, a Space Love Letter BY BELLA HAN
Post Hacking for the Uninitiated BY GRACE CHAN
Rafi BY AMAL SINGH
Timothy: An Oral History BY MICHAEL SWANWICK
This format seems like court testimony. Also, whatever this means. 1 ⭐
January 3, 2024
Stories I really liked:
Down to the Root by Lisa Papademetriou (novelette) - Two satellite repair people become friends, where one gets gravely injured and must be brought to their home planet to revive. Interesting idea of a circular life cycle.
Such is My Idea of Happiness by David Goodman (novelette)- A story about finance and the stock market where modified humans don't need sleep, but they rely on the work of the unmodified. A scathing look at techbro and hustle culture. Loved it.
I also liked the Bella Han (novelette) and Grace Chan (short) stories.
Down to the Root by Lisa Papademetriou (novelette) - Two satellite repair people become friends, where one gets gravely injured and must be brought to their home planet to revive. Interesting idea of a circular life cycle.
Such is My Idea of Happiness by David Goodman (novelette)- A story about finance and the stock market where modified humans don't need sleep, but they rely on the work of the unmodified. A scathing look at techbro and hustle culture. Loved it.
I also liked the Bella Han (novelette) and Grace Chan (short) stories.
February 3, 2024
Tidhar is a really fun worldbuilder, I really need to read one of his books because his short stories keep dazzling me.
Palmer's "Possibly Just A Couch" is okay. I really like Singh but this story never clicked for me. Swanwick is the man and the concept of "Timothy: An Oral History" is really juicy but it's a little too clumsy for me.
Palmer's "Possibly Just A Couch" is okay. I really like Singh but this story never clicked for me. Swanwick is the man and the concept of "Timothy: An Oral History" is really juicy but it's a little too clumsy for me.
December 19, 2023
Final rating: 2.78/5 stars. 'Timothy: an Oral History' was my favourite. Love me some gender fuckery and weirdness. Also found the idea of a male child being born into an all-female society interesting.
January 10, 2025
Good stuff. Particularly enjoyed Michael Swanwick’s contribution.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews