Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy discussion

This is our discussion of the 2019 Hugo Award "best novelette" finalist...

“The Last Banquet of Temporal Confections” by Tina Connolly
It can be read on-line at Tor.com.


This is part of our discussion of the 2019 Hugo Award short story & novelette finalists.

This fantasy posits the interesting premise that a chef can create candies, pastries & other desserts that evoke past memories so vividly it's as if you relive them. "This truffle tastes of regret with just a hint of despair at the finish."

The narration, provided by the chef's wife, is nicely done. Not my favorite, but enjoyable enough.

I really enjoyed it. Interesting to use one memories as a weapon. And loved the names of the delicacies, as well as the title of the story.

Andrea wrote: "I really enjoyed it. Interesting to use one memories as a weapon."

Yes, "Temporal Confections" is a cute term for the dish.

BTW, it reminded me a bit of a scene in Pixar's Ratatouille where a dish also evokes strong memories (in the food critic), though not as intense as Connolly imagines.

Although you can feel where it’s most likely going still enjoyed this one. I’m still glad for the ‘happy’ ending.
Another interesting way to tell a story - it’s the Hugo year of fun formats! So interesting how each dessert will be different for each person and how it can change over time.
Cool idea, well developed I thought.

I absolutely loved this one. Not sure if it's because I also love baking but thought it was such a clever, interesting way of handling the reluctant resistance vs fantasy tyrant.

I found the idea interesting but I think that the ending broke the rules of how pastries work, so I lowered the overall rating