Fire.

PM's Outspoken Authors #18

by Elizabeth Hand

The title story, "Fire." written especially for this volume, is a harrowing postapocalyptic adventure in a world threated by global conflagration. Based on Hand's real-life experience as a participant in a governmental climate change think tank, it follows a ragtag cadre of scientists and artists racing to save both civilization and themselves from fast-moving global fires. "The Woman Men Couldn't See" is an expansion of Hand's acclaimed critical assessment of author Alice Sheldon, who wrote award-winning SF as "James Tiptree, Jr." in order to conceal identity from both the SF community and her CIA overlords. Another nonfiction piece, "Beyond Belief" recounts her difficult passage from alienated teen to serious artist. Also included are "Kronia," a poignant time-travel romance, and "The Saffron Gatherers," two of Hand's favorite and less familiar stories. a bibliography and our candid and illuminating Outspoken Interview with one of today's most inventive authors.

Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction, Fiction, Collections, Essays, Speculative Fiction, Anthologies

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2016

About the author

A New York Times notable and multiple award– winning author, Elizabeth Hand has written seven novels, including the cult classic Waking the Moon, and short-story collections. She is a longtime contributor to numerous publications, including the Washington Post Book World and the Village Voice Literary Supplement. She and her two children divide their time between the coast of Maine and North London.

Reviews

[luce (cry bebè's back from hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★✰✰ 3 stars

I loved Hand's 'On Becoming a Writer'. In a few pages she gives a strong impression of what writing signifies for her.
The first short story of this collection was also very well written. It is an almost pre-apocalyptic tale thrumming with ambivalence.
The other stories were okay but do not showcase Hand's strengths.

Read more reviews on my blog

[Christopher Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Elizabeth Hand's work is magnificent. One of the best prose stylists I've ever read. Like Neil Gaiman, she is able to evoke an entire world in a few sentences, and create characters with depth and grace in a few lines of dialogue. I learn something every time I read her. You will too.

[Debbie Notkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a chapbook in the PM Press Outspoken Authors series, which I read all of. Hand is an author I've been aware of for a long time, and only read in fits and spurts. (She does have a Tiptree Award winner, Waking the Moon, which I read when it won.)

I enjoyed this without loving it. The opening story, "The Saffron Gatherers" was probably my favorite, though I also appreciated the other three stories. None of them were quite my cup of tea, but all of them were well done and worth reading. The book also has an g0od autobiographical essay on how she became a writer, two essays on deceased science fiction writers (James Tiptree, Jr. and Tom Disch), and the signature interview with series editor Terry Bisson. The essays on Tiptree and Disch are good, though neither told me much I didn't know, which is not Hand's fault. I do think the Tiptree essay is a little too much of a condensation of Julie Phillips' excellent biography of Tiptree (and Julie's name is typoed as "Julia Phillips" in the essay). The interview is delightful; Bisson's scattershot style works for Hand, and they seem to enjoy each other.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed everything I've read from the PM Outspoken Authors series, and Hand is one of my favorite authors. This is a lovely mix of fiction and nonfiction and interview.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

More delightful work from Liz Hand. Comprised of previously published stories and essays, as well as a new story, "Fire" demonstrates Hand's range of ability. Across all of these pieces of writing, her strong and engaging voice shines through clearly - whether in creating the world of an apocalyptic fire or describing her own origins as a writer. I continue to love Hand's work, and this collection is no exception.

[Brook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sad I hadn't heard of Hand until now, but my friend gave this to me and wowowowow. The stories are a, in my taste, perfect blend of banal and disturbing. It's the world I feel is true, and I ate it up. Can't wait to read more. Her work on biography and the interview In this collection are also wonderful.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for completists and a handy tool for those new to her work. Powerful insights into the autobiographical undercurrents of her work, particularly as it relates to the Case Neary series.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another book crying out for the ability to use half stars, Fire, to my mind is a really solid 3.5 but a bit weak as a full 4.0. Why? As with a select other few writers, I love, love, love Hand's nonfiction but am just "meh" on her fiction. Strictly a matter of taste as I cannot find any technical fault with Hand's fiction writing, it just doesn't hit me square. Her essays on Alice B. Sheldon and Thomas Disch, on the other hand, are strikingly illuminating and provide insights galore into their respective works and the interview with her is wonderful. I would definitely recommend reading this book and, if like me, you enjoy reading about authors almost as much as reading the work of authors, buying it for repeated enjoyment.

[Shikhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 2017 by PM Press, Outspoken Authors: Elizabeth Hand is a revelation of a first-class literary stylist who is, like many geniuses, very humble about her accomplishments.
The book opens with Hand's classic story, "The Saffron Gatherers," which pulls you along quietly by the hand. It is ostensibly a love story, a meditation on the beauty of ancient art, and a commentary about San Francisco's expensive housing. It is Hands poetic use of language that ratchets up the pleasure. Just as the reader thinks that this romantic fable will work out fine for both lovers, you abruptly find yourself reading an apocalyptic tale that leaves you in a state of shock.
The next story, "Fire," has never before seen print. Without giving too much of it away, it is a tale about hope in the face of certain annihilation. "Fire," like "The Saffron Gatherers," seems to address apocalypse, which makes perfect sense, as in the next article, "Beyond Belief: On Becoming A Writer" and in her interview with Terry Bisson, Elizabeth Hand reveals her serious anxieties about climate change (NOTE: Hand's groundbreaking novel, Glimmering, is the first work of fiction to directly acknowledge the reality of climate change.)
"Beyond Belief" reveals the evolution of a literary iconoclast. Her experiences, adventures, tragedies, and yes, traumas, all play integral parts in the formation of a literary artist, who places the importance of Character and Setting over Plot, contrary to the popular wisdom regarding storytelling. She is a poetic storyteller.
Hand discusses her process in "Beyond Belief" and her interview with Terry Bison, "Flying Squirrels in the Rafters." Revision. Endless revision. She states, likely tongue-in-cheek, that she would like to be able to keep revising her books even after they have landed on bookstore shelves. To learn more about her literary ethos, writers in particular will want to read the sections mentioned above.
Between " Beyond Belief" and " Flying Squirrels..." is "Kronia," a an eerily wonderful love story that jaunts through space and time. Hand's lyrical prose style is present throughout.
Perhaps the most affecting (and tragic) pieces are her two essays, "The Woman Men Didn't See," and another titled simply, almost lovingly, "Tom Disch."
"The Woman Men Didn't See" pulls back the curtain on one of science fiction's most visionary writers, James Tiptree, Jr, who in his private life is, in fact, a woman named Alice Sheldon. Her experiences as a child are terrifying. His birth as part of the new wave in science fiction is to our good fortune, as readers of a genre which was going stale in the 1960s and early 70s would attest. Her stories were less a breath of fresh air, and more a savage multiple stabbing of the reader and the science fiction establishment, in general. Alas, James Tiptree, Jr's story is a tragic one. For more on Tiptree Jr, I recommend purchasing Her Smoke Rose Up Forever by James Tiptree, Jr, a collection of 18 of the most terrifying science fiction stories you are likely to read (available from Tachyon Publications.) To learn more about the life and tragic end of Alice Sheldon, read James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Life of Alice B. Sheldon, by Julia Phillips (National Book Award.)
At last, we come to, perhaps, the saddest, most personal, and loving essay about another iconoclastic writer, "Tom Disch." One is given the strong impression that Elizabeth Hand knew Thomas M. Disch as more than merely an essay topic. His fiction largely involved contemplations of death and suicide.(Recommended works by Thomas M. Disch include On Wings of Song and Camp Concentration.)
The last pages have an extensive (and impressive) Bibliography oof Ms. Hand's work current up till 2017.

[Ricardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le da la pelea directamente al de Le Guin como mejor libro de esta serie. Hand escribe muy bien, bellamente, incluso. Y en este corto libro no hay relato inferior. La entrevista, además, es la mejor de la serie. Termina con una excelente mini biografía/ensayo sobre la fascinante Tiptree/Sheldon, que me evita leer la bio de Julie Phillips por ahora, y de bonus una bio de Thomas M. Disch, cuyo Camp Concentration me parecio una marihuanada ilegible, pero del que definitivamente buscare mas. En resumen, un libro tan bueno que te hace saltar de inmediato al siguiente. Tiraré una moneda para ver si este sera Waking the Moon o Her Smoke Rose Up Forever.

[Anna Hepworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic taster for the works of Elizabeth Bear. I have no idea how these pieces might reflect on their longer work, but I'm certainly motivated to look out for some (at least, those that aren't detective noir). The collection contains three fiction pieces, three essays, and an interview.

Starting with the fiction, as the collection does. This is possible not a great collection for Right Now, given that it starts with a story about climate change, which is immediately followed by one about serious, life-threatening fires in California. Fortunately, I guess, there isn't a plague story as well. These are not complex, plot-heavy stories. They are lyrical, layering language upon language, developing a sense of the characters and setting. Entirely mesmerising to read.

The essays are two biographical--James Tiptree Jr, Tom Disch, two authors who had interesting lives--and one autobiographical. Some pretty frank mentions of sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, as well as some very personal details.

The interview follows thematically from the older essay about becoming a writer; the most poetic of the stories interleaves the two.

[Thom (T.E.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ephemera, samples, a new statement of what's been missing in appreciation of an author? That's what you might get when you open a book of this series. In the case of Elizabeth Hand, you get multiple biographical studies of authors (including herself) with which she's shown how powerful voices can be tempered by a variety of experiences that can include trauma. The fiction pieces include one of her classic short stories ("The Saffron Gatherers") as well as a new piece that gives this book its title. The story is less anxious about being impressive-but-showy, so its a different reading experience, which helps this volume demonstrate the author's range. Unfortunately, the new piece feels underdeveloped, and the other fiction here is a short poetical restatement of some of "Saffron Gatherers" themes. There are worse fates than to leave readers wanting more--and this collection does provide samples demonstrating Hand's gift for vocabulary and fabulous way with handling settings and environment in speculative fiction.

[Susan Emmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never heard of Liz Hand or PM Press Outspoken Authors Series. Glad I found a copy of Fire. at a local bakery/bookstore in Maine.
She's been so prescient about many ecological, political and psychological issues and crises for years.
I loved Terry Bisson's interview with her, as well as "Beyond Belief: Becoming A Writer." Her evolution and heartache and triumph are presented clearly and without judgment. The pieces on Alice Sheldon and Tom Disch are riveting. Never heard of either of them or of many writers Hand mentions. I plan to dig into all of them.
The popular press and social media focus of publishing have let so many great writers disappear. Very sad about that, but I'm learning there are other, better sources of information.
The extensive bibliography is a good place to begin as is our local bakery/bookstore.
I recommend this slim volume enthusiastically.

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 3 out of 5]

having read this while an insomnia episode, I am very vague on the trigger warnings, there are probably more
mention of suicide, miscarriage, mental illness

This is a short collection of texts by author Elizabeth Hand, whose work I was recommended ages ago but never got round to try, so I was interested in this chance to view some of her work.

We have short stories, essays and an interview, to show different facets of this author's writing, and I have to say that from all, her interview intrigued me the most and I'll make sure to pick something up by her in the nearer future.

The arc was provided by the publisher.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

rather meh... i'm a huge fan of Ms. Hand's writing but i am lost as to the need for this particular book... one original story of 11 scant pages (and a rather disconnected, rambling work at that), two previously published stories (excellent, but I have already read them) and some essays (well written but why this presentation medium?)... overall, glad i got this from a library at least, and happy this book will give her money to continue her auspicious career...

[J.J. Amaworo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judging from her subject matter in this collection, Hand is drawn to the darkness. Yet she writes with a light touch. The New York Times calls her "a superior stylist." For me, she's a natural storyteller who can do it all: straight reportage, post-punk noir, autobiography and fantasy. That's quite a package, and this is quite a book.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Liz's work, includes a sampling of short fiction, essays, bio, and an interview. It truly is worth the price just for the short story "Fire". I had the chance to hear Liz read this live and it is a powerful piece.

[Trish Graboske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish that this book were longer.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of stories, essays, and an interview. It reminded me how much I love Elizabeth Hand's writing.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short collection, some fiction, some essays. Interesting. I found that I enjoyed the essays more than the stories, but that's okay. All still good.

[Carolee Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure that Elizabeth Hand is one of my very favorite writers, but only some of the essays herein grabbed me, thus the 3 stars.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful miscellany from one of my favorite authors. PM Press does such a good job with these.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the interviews and ‘The Saffron Gatherers,’ the title story didn’t really enthrall me but this was a great installment. A lot of other authors to look into from the interviews in this one!

[Tomasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tenderly ruthless, pointedly erudite, tersely eloquent stories and non-fictional outings. This is really fine writing, not that anything else could be expected from that author.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with my boyfriend. I've never read Elizabeth Hand's work, but I've come away feeling awe-inspired by her poetic prose and interesting life story. When I was reading this aloud to my boyfriend, I noticed the words were rolling off my tongue with such ease, I know it can't just be because I was on a roll. It's because Hand uses the right words at the right times and pauses in all the right places. I'm very impressed and would like to read more!

[David H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This special collection from the Outspoken Authors series has three short stories, three essays, and an interview with the author.

I had just recently read the author's other collection Saffron and Brimstone: Strange Stories which contains "The Saffron Gatherers" and "Kronia," which are reprinted here. I didn't reread them this time, though I'd recommend Saffron and Brimstone as that will contain all four "Lost Domain" stories (which those two are a part of). For those two, I'll just say when I read them originally I felt like I had a hard time since it's from the part of the spectrum of Hand's writing I'm not too fond of. The new story for me here was "Fire." which has a character speaking about a situation they find themselves in, trapped in a bunker surrounded by a megafire in a climate-disaster scenario. Probably not any fun for anyone in the western US right now.

The three essays and interviews were interesting: the first one and the interview cover Hand's life and career which was informative (her story "Wonderwall" is now a lot more autiobiographical than I realized). The other two essays are just her discussing James Tiptree Jr. (also known as Alice Sheldon) and Thomas M. Disch, both of which made me more interested in trying out their fiction (at least in part--I'm not that experimental or New Wave a reader).

I am reminded that I need to read more of her books, as I've only read Generation Loss and Wylding Hall, both of which were great if strange.