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Elsewhere #3
Elsewhere Vol. III
A collection of fantastic short stories, by such masters as Robin McKinley, Tanith Lee, James P. Blaylock and Patricia A. McKillip, and many many more, of course!
Contains illustrations by Terri Windling, and cover art by George de Hoff.
Contains illustrations by Terri Windling, and cover art by George de Hoff.
404 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
1 person is currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Terri Windling
120 books711 followersTerri Windling is an American editor, artist, essayist, and the author of books for both children and adults. Windling has won nine World Fantasy Awards, the Mythopoeic Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and her anthology The Armless Maiden, a fiction collection for adult survivors of child abuse, appeared on the shortlist for the James Tiptree, Jr. Award. She was also honored with SFWA's Soltice Award in 2010, a lifetime achievement award for "significant contributions to the speculative fiction field as a writer, editor, artist, educator, and mentor". Windling's work has been translated into French, German, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Lithuanian, Turkish, Russian, Japanese, and Korean.
In the American publishing field, Windling is one of the primary creative forces behind the mythic fiction resurgence that began in the early 1980s—first through her work as an innovative editor for the Ace and Tor Books fantasy lines; secondly as the creator of the Fairy Tales series of novels (featuring reinterpretations of classic fairy tale themes by Jane Yolen, Steven Brust, Pamela Dean, Patricia C. Wrede, Charles de Lint, and others); and thirdly as the editor of over thirty anthologies of magical fiction. She is also recognized as one of the founders of the urban fantasy genre, having published and promoted the first novels of Charles de Lint, Emma Bull, and other pioneers of the form.
With Ellen Datlow, Windling edited 16 volumes of The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror (1986–2003), an anthology series that reached beyond the boundaries of genre fantasy to incorporate magic realism, surrealism, poetry, and other forms of magical literature. Datlow and Windling also edited the Snow White, Blood Red series of literary fairy tales for adult readers, as well as many anthologies of myth & fairy tale inspired fiction for younger readers (such as The Green Man, The Faery Reel, and The Wolf at the Door). Windling also created and edited the Borderland series for teenage readers.
As an author, Windling's fiction includes The Wood Wife (winner of the Mythopoeic Award for Novel of the Year) and several children's books: The Raven Queen, The Changeling, A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale, The Winter Child, and The Faeries of Spring Cottage. Her essays on myth, folklore, magical literature and art have been widely published in newsstand magazines, academic journals, art books, and anthologies. She was a contributor to The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales, edited by Jack Zipes.
As an artist, Windling specializes in work inspired by myth, folklore, and fairy tales. Her art has been exhibited across the US, as well as in the UK and France.
Windling is the founder of the Endicott Studio, an organization dedicated to myth-inspired arts, and co-editor (with Midori Snyder) of The Journal of Mythic Arts. She also sits on the board of the Mythic Imagination Institute. A former New Yorker, Windling spend many years in Tucson, Arizona, and now lives in Devon, England. She is married to dramatist Howard Gayton, co-director of the Ophaboom Theatre Company.
In the American publishing field, Windling is one of the primary creative forces behind the mythic fiction resurgence that began in the early 1980s—first through her work as an innovative editor for the Ace and Tor Books fantasy lines; secondly as the creator of the Fairy Tales series of novels (featuring reinterpretations of classic fairy tale themes by Jane Yolen, Steven Brust, Pamela Dean, Patricia C. Wrede, Charles de Lint, and others); and thirdly as the editor of over thirty anthologies of magical fiction. She is also recognized as one of the founders of the urban fantasy genre, having published and promoted the first novels of Charles de Lint, Emma Bull, and other pioneers of the form.
With Ellen Datlow, Windling edited 16 volumes of The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror (1986–2003), an anthology series that reached beyond the boundaries of genre fantasy to incorporate magic realism, surrealism, poetry, and other forms of magical literature. Datlow and Windling also edited the Snow White, Blood Red series of literary fairy tales for adult readers, as well as many anthologies of myth & fairy tale inspired fiction for younger readers (such as The Green Man, The Faery Reel, and The Wolf at the Door). Windling also created and edited the Borderland series for teenage readers.
As an author, Windling's fiction includes The Wood Wife (winner of the Mythopoeic Award for Novel of the Year) and several children's books: The Raven Queen, The Changeling, A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale, The Winter Child, and The Faeries of Spring Cottage. Her essays on myth, folklore, magical literature and art have been widely published in newsstand magazines, academic journals, art books, and anthologies. She was a contributor to The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales, edited by Jack Zipes.
As an artist, Windling specializes in work inspired by myth, folklore, and fairy tales. Her art has been exhibited across the US, as well as in the UK and France.
Windling is the founder of the Endicott Studio, an organization dedicated to myth-inspired arts, and co-editor (with Midori Snyder) of The Journal of Mythic Arts. She also sits on the board of the Mythic Imagination Institute. A former New Yorker, Windling spend many years in Tucson, Arizona, and now lives in Devon, England. She is married to dramatist Howard Gayton, co-director of the Ophaboom Theatre Company.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 4, 2007
There are three Elsewhere books, all short stories, all by good authors.
March 8, 2015
I read this anthology a while ago, but except for a few of the stories, I don't remember much about the book. I remember that it had a few great shortstories by some of my favorite storytellers, like Tanith Lee and James P. Blaylock.
So, time to read the stories again, and post short reviews as I read every story in the anthology. I might as well start at the very beginning....
Introduction by Betty Ballantine
A short introduction that compares the reality that we all know and the need for fantasy stories, myths and legends. Short, yet sets the tone for what is to come... hopefully.
God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot by Leonard Cohen
A small song/poem about god and magic, and how those two are actually entwined and hard to separate. I only know one Leonard Cohen song, and this one ain't it... but it seems to fit the overall theme of the anthology.
The Stagman by Robin McKinley (25 pages)
A young queen-in-waiting is betrayed by her powerhungry uncle. However, instead of being sacrificed to some ancient and dark deity, she is rescued by a mythical creature; the Stagman. A nice little read, very promising to begin with, but the end was a little rushed and disappointing. (2,5 stars)
Harvest Child by Steve Rasnic Tem (16 pages)
When a harvest is going bad, a girl is sent to the farms, perhaps as an omen of better times to come. This, apparently, happens all over the world. I don't really get this story, it is very confusing and not really worth a second look. (1 star)
And When the Green Man Comes by John Haines
A short poem about... the green man. I like the Green Man, and this is a nice little poem about nature, a nature that is neither good or evil, but just... is.
Simpson's Lesser Sphynx by Esther M. Friesner (6 pages)
One day Simpson brings a new mascot to the country club, a sphynx from Greece. It speaks only the old language and knows only one riddle, a riddle that everyone knows the answer to, so... what is there really to fear from this beautiful little creature? A fun little read, with a nice twisted ending. (3 stars)
Intruder by Susan Feldman
Another short poem about a creature... not much different from the sphynx in the story above. Be careful what you feed your pets...
The Duke of Orkney's Leonardo by Sylvia Townsend Warner (17 pages)
This is the story of a very special boy, but it is also the story of beauty, love and art. It involves elfins, and does a wonderful job at making these mythical creatures seem quite alien in their ways of perceiving the world. The ending was a bit fast for my liking, but overall, an ok read. (2 stars)
The Unknown by Maria Luisa Bombal (4 pages)
A story about a pirate ship caught at the heart of a maelstrom. Honestly, I did not get this one at all. The only thing that remotely intrigued me was the narrator. (1 star)
In the Court of the Crimson King by Ian MacDonald and Peter Sinfield
Another poem, this one about... the merriment of the Court of the Crimson King.
The Warrior's Daughter by Susan Heyboer-O'Keefe (12 pages)
This is the story of a mighty warrior and the vow he made to the great Lord Oreht. It is written in the tone of the great greek tragedies, like the Odyssey, and is indeed a tragedy of its own. Not too bad, definitely worth 20 minutes of your time. (2,5 stars)
Gretel in Darkness by Louise Glück
A small poem about the fate of Hansel and Gretel. It is written from the perspective of Gretel, and how she has become trapped in her own memories. Not bad.
Rocinante by Steven R. Boyett (12 pages)
A boy was killed by his father, and is now trapped in the Otherworld. He is forever alive in the nightly hours, but never during the day, and always, the City moves him to a new spot, allowing him to discover pieces of his own history. But who is Rocinante... wonderful story, without a doubt the best in the anthology so far. Its ending, if you can even call it that... perfect. (4 stars)
Springsong in East Gruesome, Vermont by Ramon Guthrie
Another poem, not sure I know what it is about, but it has a certain... darkness in it, and a sadness.
The Idol's Eye by James P. Blaylock (18 pages)
This is a Langdon St. Ives story and starts at a dinner party in the Explorer's Club. A couple of old adventurers and explorers have come together to recount tales of their adventures, when suddenly, one of those tales come to live right in their midst. It didn't end as strong as it started, but a good satisfying read that have surely set me on the course of reading more Langdon St. Ives stories. (3,5 stars)
The Lady of the House of Love by Angela Carter (20 pages)
This is a vampire story, but told a little different from your regular Twilight or Anne Rice stories. It involves a tarot reading pale woman and a strange bicyclist virgin... a bit weird, not really sure what to think of this. (1 star)
The Undead by Richard Wilbur
A vampire poem. If you like vampires, you'll probably like this. Sorry for not putting more heart into this, but vampires are not really my thing.
Voices answering back: The vampires by Lawrence Raab
Another vampire poem, but this one a little bit more... poetic and with a strange beauty. Much easy to devour than the previous vampire poem.
Happy Dens or A Day in the Old Wolves Home by Jane Yolen (14 pages)
Why are wolves always portrayed as being evil? This shortstory takes you to Happy Dens, the home of the old wolves, where the truth is just a little bit different from what you are used to. Wonderful story with a few quirky twists, definitely worth a read. (3 stars)
The Six Badgers by Robert Graves
A small poem about talking badgers and a farmer who cant see the magic that is right there... in front of him.
The Chapel Perilous by Naomi Mitchison (19 pages)
This story is about Camelot, The Holy Grail, the Knights of the Round Table, and most importantly... a hermit and two journalists looking for an interview. I normally like weird, but this one was just too... weird. I don't think I even really understood what it was all about, honestly. (1 star)
Malagan and the Lady of Rascas by Michael de Larrabeiti (15 pages)
The Baron of Rascas is called to war by his king, but before he leaves for Palestine, he makes sure that no one will be charmed by his wife. He forces the wizard, Malagan, to enchant his wife with a very special spell. Great story with a lovely ending. It is also one of those stories that doesn't tell you everything, but instead makes you think. (3 stars)
Bones by P.C. Hodgell (26 pages)
This is the story of a young female thief called Jame, or the Talisman, who is trying to correct the mistakes of her past. It involves a master called Penari, a Maze, a priest and a lot of bones. Granted, this story was very confusing from the beginning; it basically wanted to tell too many stories all at once, but still... I like stories with thieves in them, and this setting was kinda interesting. (2,5 stars)
The Toaster by William Jay Smith
Yet another poem, also, I just noticed that they are kinda... placefillers, making sure that there are no white pages in this anthology. Anyways, a poem with a twist. Indeed, the twist is spoiled between the title and the first line, but still... kinda funny.
The One We Were by Tanith Lee (31 pages)
This is the story of an excentric woman named Claira Von Oeau, who finds out that she did in fact used to be someone else, a man named Simplice. She becomes obsessed with this fact and allow it to fully consume her life. Great story by a true master of the Weird. This one comes recommended. (3 stars)
On the Dark Side of the Station Where the Train Never Stops by Pat Murphy (14 pages)
The world is not at all like we think, for one... it is not very old, and then there are all the things that we think of as truths. I mean, a fossil, thats just something pretty... artwork, really, placed by some creatures who work behind the scene. Yes, I will stop explain this any further, you have to explore this weird setting all on your own, but know this... it's worth every minute. The ideas here made me think of Neil Gaiman for some reason, and Pat Murphy is definitely someone I'll be keeping an eye on. (4 stars)
Simultaneously by David Ignatow
Another poem, this one containing much less magic and weirdness than the others, or maybe... I just didn't get it.
"Franz Kafka" by Jorge Luis Borges by Alvin Greenberg (11 pages)
Well, how to explain this... "story"? It is about a weird manuscript that was found, made by the author Jorge Luis Borges. It involves a strange language that even the author forgot, and which no one seem to be able to decifer. This doesn't really have the feel of a shortstory, more like a chapter in a history book, with the exception that the person who finds the manuscript gets personal involved in its story. I can't honestly say that I enjoyed this, but mostly because I don't really understand what... it... is. (1 star)
Tort, the Shell-Man by Amos Tutuola (22 pages)
This is actually two separate storie about the same... character, Tort the Shell-man. They involve trickery and pranks, because Tort is exactly that.. a Prankster much like Loki from nordic mythology. The stories are simply constructed and actually quite nice. They do have that sort of mythological feel, as if they are trying to teach us something. Definitely worth a read. (3 stars)
Kitty by Paul Bowles (4 pages)
This is the story of a young girl named Kitty, a girl who wanted to be a cat, a girl who wanted to live a carefree life without school, responsibilities or dentists! But... what would actually happen if she had her wish fulfilled? This is the only story in this collection that has actually touched me. It is a heartbreaking story, and told so delicately, even if it only takes up 4 pages in a book of 400 pages. Highly recommended! (5 stars)
Princeps Tenebrarum by John Alfred Taylor
Sorry, but after Kitty, this small poem felt so pointless and helpless... I couldn't begin to tell you what it is about.
Riquiqui, I love you! by Félix Marti-Ibanez (26 pages)
A creature awakes, yet remembers nothing. He starts to move around in a world that he doesn't really know, only to find that the people here doesn't really like him, or even want him here, until... he meets Riquiqui, a small magical girl, who is looking for a very special pearl. There is a lot more to this story, but I won't spoil it for you, except to say that if you read this story, you won't be sorry. Oh, and in some ways... it is related to Kitty. Highly recommended. (3,5 stars)
Being a Giant by Robert Mezey
Perhaps the best poem of them all, who knew life as a giant could be a lonely one? Who even knew that giants had feelings... aren't they just... monsters?
A Matter of Music by Patricia A. McKillip (43 pages)
The last and the longest story in this anthology is a story about music, but also a story about love. It involves a young bard, Cresce, who finds herself in the middle of an old conflict between Daghian and Jazi. I love reading about bards as much as about thieves, and this story is definitely about bards. What I love most, though, is the fact that it not only tells us a story, it also manages to create a whole world in just 43 pages, and make it seem like we have read an entire novel. So, how could I not recommend reading about Cresce, Lord Sere of Daghian and Lelia, the Bard of Jazi? (3,5 stars)
Final Thoughts
I never did find a story that matched the cover art, which is a shame really, because the cover is so weird. I mean, an old man carrying an enormous pear on his back, a bag shaped like a cracked egg and followed by a unicorn, who doesn't want to read that story!?
About the book, I would have been happy to see the poems left out, as I don't really see the purpose of them here. Sure, it is different and sure there are a few nice ones (in my opinion), but really, they seem to be placefillers. For that reason, I've also chosen to leave the starless, so that I only judge the anthology by the shortstories and novelettes.
Speaking of those, yes, there are definitely a handful of strong stories here that make it worthwhile, but also a handful that you should definitely avoid. But of course, in the end it is all up to you, you might not agree with me.
So, time to read the stories again, and post short reviews as I read every story in the anthology. I might as well start at the very beginning....
Introduction by Betty Ballantine
A short introduction that compares the reality that we all know and the need for fantasy stories, myths and legends. Short, yet sets the tone for what is to come... hopefully.
God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot by Leonard Cohen
A small song/poem about god and magic, and how those two are actually entwined and hard to separate. I only know one Leonard Cohen song, and this one ain't it... but it seems to fit the overall theme of the anthology.
The Stagman by Robin McKinley (25 pages)
A young queen-in-waiting is betrayed by her powerhungry uncle. However, instead of being sacrificed to some ancient and dark deity, she is rescued by a mythical creature; the Stagman. A nice little read, very promising to begin with, but the end was a little rushed and disappointing. (2,5 stars)
Harvest Child by Steve Rasnic Tem (16 pages)
When a harvest is going bad, a girl is sent to the farms, perhaps as an omen of better times to come. This, apparently, happens all over the world. I don't really get this story, it is very confusing and not really worth a second look. (1 star)
And When the Green Man Comes by John Haines
A short poem about... the green man. I like the Green Man, and this is a nice little poem about nature, a nature that is neither good or evil, but just... is.
Simpson's Lesser Sphynx by Esther M. Friesner (6 pages)
One day Simpson brings a new mascot to the country club, a sphynx from Greece. It speaks only the old language and knows only one riddle, a riddle that everyone knows the answer to, so... what is there really to fear from this beautiful little creature? A fun little read, with a nice twisted ending. (3 stars)
Intruder by Susan Feldman
Another short poem about a creature... not much different from the sphynx in the story above. Be careful what you feed your pets...
The Duke of Orkney's Leonardo by Sylvia Townsend Warner (17 pages)
This is the story of a very special boy, but it is also the story of beauty, love and art. It involves elfins, and does a wonderful job at making these mythical creatures seem quite alien in their ways of perceiving the world. The ending was a bit fast for my liking, but overall, an ok read. (2 stars)
The Unknown by Maria Luisa Bombal (4 pages)
A story about a pirate ship caught at the heart of a maelstrom. Honestly, I did not get this one at all. The only thing that remotely intrigued me was the narrator. (1 star)
In the Court of the Crimson King by Ian MacDonald and Peter Sinfield
Another poem, this one about... the merriment of the Court of the Crimson King.
The Warrior's Daughter by Susan Heyboer-O'Keefe (12 pages)
This is the story of a mighty warrior and the vow he made to the great Lord Oreht. It is written in the tone of the great greek tragedies, like the Odyssey, and is indeed a tragedy of its own. Not too bad, definitely worth 20 minutes of your time. (2,5 stars)
Gretel in Darkness by Louise Glück
A small poem about the fate of Hansel and Gretel. It is written from the perspective of Gretel, and how she has become trapped in her own memories. Not bad.
Rocinante by Steven R. Boyett (12 pages)
A boy was killed by his father, and is now trapped in the Otherworld. He is forever alive in the nightly hours, but never during the day, and always, the City moves him to a new spot, allowing him to discover pieces of his own history. But who is Rocinante... wonderful story, without a doubt the best in the anthology so far. Its ending, if you can even call it that... perfect. (4 stars)
Springsong in East Gruesome, Vermont by Ramon Guthrie
Another poem, not sure I know what it is about, but it has a certain... darkness in it, and a sadness.
The Idol's Eye by James P. Blaylock (18 pages)
This is a Langdon St. Ives story and starts at a dinner party in the Explorer's Club. A couple of old adventurers and explorers have come together to recount tales of their adventures, when suddenly, one of those tales come to live right in their midst. It didn't end as strong as it started, but a good satisfying read that have surely set me on the course of reading more Langdon St. Ives stories. (3,5 stars)
The Lady of the House of Love by Angela Carter (20 pages)
This is a vampire story, but told a little different from your regular Twilight or Anne Rice stories. It involves a tarot reading pale woman and a strange bicyclist virgin... a bit weird, not really sure what to think of this. (1 star)
The Undead by Richard Wilbur
A vampire poem. If you like vampires, you'll probably like this. Sorry for not putting more heart into this, but vampires are not really my thing.
Voices answering back: The vampires by Lawrence Raab
Another vampire poem, but this one a little bit more... poetic and with a strange beauty. Much easy to devour than the previous vampire poem.
Happy Dens or A Day in the Old Wolves Home by Jane Yolen (14 pages)
Why are wolves always portrayed as being evil? This shortstory takes you to Happy Dens, the home of the old wolves, where the truth is just a little bit different from what you are used to. Wonderful story with a few quirky twists, definitely worth a read. (3 stars)
The Six Badgers by Robert Graves
A small poem about talking badgers and a farmer who cant see the magic that is right there... in front of him.
The Chapel Perilous by Naomi Mitchison (19 pages)
This story is about Camelot, The Holy Grail, the Knights of the Round Table, and most importantly... a hermit and two journalists looking for an interview. I normally like weird, but this one was just too... weird. I don't think I even really understood what it was all about, honestly. (1 star)
Malagan and the Lady of Rascas by Michael de Larrabeiti (15 pages)
The Baron of Rascas is called to war by his king, but before he leaves for Palestine, he makes sure that no one will be charmed by his wife. He forces the wizard, Malagan, to enchant his wife with a very special spell. Great story with a lovely ending. It is also one of those stories that doesn't tell you everything, but instead makes you think. (3 stars)
Bones by P.C. Hodgell (26 pages)
This is the story of a young female thief called Jame, or the Talisman, who is trying to correct the mistakes of her past. It involves a master called Penari, a Maze, a priest and a lot of bones. Granted, this story was very confusing from the beginning; it basically wanted to tell too many stories all at once, but still... I like stories with thieves in them, and this setting was kinda interesting. (2,5 stars)
The Toaster by William Jay Smith
Yet another poem, also, I just noticed that they are kinda... placefillers, making sure that there are no white pages in this anthology. Anyways, a poem with a twist. Indeed, the twist is spoiled between the title and the first line, but still... kinda funny.
The One We Were by Tanith Lee (31 pages)
This is the story of an excentric woman named Claira Von Oeau, who finds out that she did in fact used to be someone else, a man named Simplice. She becomes obsessed with this fact and allow it to fully consume her life. Great story by a true master of the Weird. This one comes recommended. (3 stars)
On the Dark Side of the Station Where the Train Never Stops by Pat Murphy (14 pages)
The world is not at all like we think, for one... it is not very old, and then there are all the things that we think of as truths. I mean, a fossil, thats just something pretty... artwork, really, placed by some creatures who work behind the scene. Yes, I will stop explain this any further, you have to explore this weird setting all on your own, but know this... it's worth every minute. The ideas here made me think of Neil Gaiman for some reason, and Pat Murphy is definitely someone I'll be keeping an eye on. (4 stars)
Simultaneously by David Ignatow
Another poem, this one containing much less magic and weirdness than the others, or maybe... I just didn't get it.
"Franz Kafka" by Jorge Luis Borges by Alvin Greenberg (11 pages)
Well, how to explain this... "story"? It is about a weird manuscript that was found, made by the author Jorge Luis Borges. It involves a strange language that even the author forgot, and which no one seem to be able to decifer. This doesn't really have the feel of a shortstory, more like a chapter in a history book, with the exception that the person who finds the manuscript gets personal involved in its story. I can't honestly say that I enjoyed this, but mostly because I don't really understand what... it... is. (1 star)
Tort, the Shell-Man by Amos Tutuola (22 pages)
This is actually two separate storie about the same... character, Tort the Shell-man. They involve trickery and pranks, because Tort is exactly that.. a Prankster much like Loki from nordic mythology. The stories are simply constructed and actually quite nice. They do have that sort of mythological feel, as if they are trying to teach us something. Definitely worth a read. (3 stars)
Kitty by Paul Bowles (4 pages)
This is the story of a young girl named Kitty, a girl who wanted to be a cat, a girl who wanted to live a carefree life without school, responsibilities or dentists! But... what would actually happen if she had her wish fulfilled? This is the only story in this collection that has actually touched me. It is a heartbreaking story, and told so delicately, even if it only takes up 4 pages in a book of 400 pages. Highly recommended! (5 stars)
Princeps Tenebrarum by John Alfred Taylor
Sorry, but after Kitty, this small poem felt so pointless and helpless... I couldn't begin to tell you what it is about.
Riquiqui, I love you! by Félix Marti-Ibanez (26 pages)
A creature awakes, yet remembers nothing. He starts to move around in a world that he doesn't really know, only to find that the people here doesn't really like him, or even want him here, until... he meets Riquiqui, a small magical girl, who is looking for a very special pearl. There is a lot more to this story, but I won't spoil it for you, except to say that if you read this story, you won't be sorry. Oh, and in some ways... it is related to Kitty. Highly recommended. (3,5 stars)
Being a Giant by Robert Mezey
Perhaps the best poem of them all, who knew life as a giant could be a lonely one? Who even knew that giants had feelings... aren't they just... monsters?
A Matter of Music by Patricia A. McKillip (43 pages)
The last and the longest story in this anthology is a story about music, but also a story about love. It involves a young bard, Cresce, who finds herself in the middle of an old conflict between Daghian and Jazi. I love reading about bards as much as about thieves, and this story is definitely about bards. What I love most, though, is the fact that it not only tells us a story, it also manages to create a whole world in just 43 pages, and make it seem like we have read an entire novel. So, how could I not recommend reading about Cresce, Lord Sere of Daghian and Lelia, the Bard of Jazi? (3,5 stars)
Final Thoughts
I never did find a story that matched the cover art, which is a shame really, because the cover is so weird. I mean, an old man carrying an enormous pear on his back, a bag shaped like a cracked egg and followed by a unicorn, who doesn't want to read that story!?
About the book, I would have been happy to see the poems left out, as I don't really see the purpose of them here. Sure, it is different and sure there are a few nice ones (in my opinion), but really, they seem to be placefillers. For that reason, I've also chosen to leave the starless, so that I only judge the anthology by the shortstories and novelettes.
Speaking of those, yes, there are definitely a handful of strong stories here that make it worthwhile, but also a handful that you should definitely avoid. But of course, in the end it is all up to you, you might not agree with me.
February 7, 2017
This was a wonderful little anthology that I stumbled across in Rickert & Beagle Books. Picking it up after finishing the "Stories" anthology edited by Neil Gaiman & Al Sarrantonio, I was struck by how much comparative breadth this collection had. Whereas "Stories" stuck mostly to a particular tone and type of story, "Elsewheres" is a mix of all types of fantasy! Short fables, humorous pieces, richly-textured sword & sorcery, early urban fantasy, dreamlike magical realism, pieces from Latin American and African writers, even poems. Some of them were contemporary pieces from when the anthology came out (in 1984), but a few of them were older works. It really captured the sheer variety and scope of the fantasy genre as a whole.
Particular favorites were Angela Carter's "The Lady of the House of Love" and Patricia McKillip's "A Matter of Music" novella, which finished off the collection. As I've said in other reviews, McKillip's style is usually a hit or miss with me, but this one was definitely a hit.
Particular favorites were Angela Carter's "The Lady of the House of Love" and Patricia McKillip's "A Matter of Music" novella, which finished off the collection. As I've said in other reviews, McKillip's style is usually a hit or miss with me, but this one was definitely a hit.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews