Science Fiction: The Short Stuff discussion

I started the first story, “A Tide of Paper” by Leah Cypess two weeks ago, but could not get into it. Then I couldn't sleep last night and therefore picked it up again. This time I kept a character chart as I was reading, and something just clicked this time. This opening novelette is not SF and therefore not one of our three reads from this issue this month. But it's really good nevertheless, recommended.

The story is nominally fantasy. The protagonist can see ghosts, although this feature does not figure in the story's plot all that prominently. Rather than a fantasy, I would say two more prominent genres for the story is historical fiction and then murder mystery/suspense. It takes place in an accurately depicted historical Venice with Jews who are in the publishing business and facing persecution from Christians. For me the best feature of the story was the setting, followed by the strength of the characters, and then finally the mystery's solution. The ghosts were a nice touch too.

I believe the story's author, judging by her name and story perspective, is Jewish. The storyline comes on as rather pro-Jewish and does not portray Christians in a positive light at all. This might be off-putting for some. The persecution rings true to my knowledge of history in this period. Christians don't have a great track record in many times and situations. I wish that were not the case, but I deal with it. Leah Cypess is referred to as a younger readers' author primarily, which I found surprising. Did I mention this story's theme is heavy? She probably lightens up some for younger readers. I would happily read another story by this author, although not her YA probably. Reading YA is too much like watching the Hallmark channel. I can handle dark.

The next story is one of our group's featured three from this magazine this month. It's about rounding up nuclear missiles that have gone astray somehow, at least that's what I gather from the blurb. Looks like fun.