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Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine
May 1998

This month's issue of Asimov's features the second part of a Reflections column by Robert Silverberg that chronicles his journey to Eastern Germany. He considers the effect that capitalism and democracy have had on Science Fiction there and finds both good and bad influences. People there now have more freedom to buy fiction, but the market is increasingly being dominated by imports, possibly stifling local fiction there.

Stories featured in this issue are:

"Wild Minds" by Michael Swanwick which looks at a world divided into two along mental lines: on one side are those who have been 'optimized' via 'neural mediators' and those who (for religious and other reason) have rejected it. Swanwick considers which may be better but leaves no easy answers.
"Lemuria Will Rise!" by Kage Baker has a funny twist in it. An android is sent back into the past to retrieve an extinct plant and encounters a hermit with possibly psychic abilities that apparently believes that Lemuria (another Atlantis) will rise soon. The hermit is initially dismissed but later events give his role an unexpected emphasis.
"The Shortest Night" by Ian Watson is a very readable Watson story. Set on a world inhabited by both humans and aliens, it chronicles the journey of Astrid compelled to follow Tycho Cammon, a proclaimer who voice has the power to make things happen (like making people die or obey his every wish).
"Crucifixion Variations" by Lawrence Person takes yet another look at whether there was a Resurrection or not. The scientific angle here is a device that uses an exotic sub-atomic particle to look into the past. Unfortunately, the past it sees are probably pasts (due to quantum effects). The effects on watching that fateful day after the crucifixion of Jesus has different effects on an aethist and Christian scientist involved in the project.
"Wading River Dogs and More" by Michael Kandel has a 'Clifford Simak' feel to it but left me unsatisfied. Marty, who works in a pet store, apparently has the ability to know what animals what. When an alien arrives, he is given the chance to talk to the alien. The final result is ambiguous.
"Get Me to the Church on Time" by Terry Bisson is yet another funny and fascinating journey involving Wilson Wu and his friend Irving who is getting married to Candy. After their arrival in New York, strange things start to happen; like the buses and subway trains running on time, no queueing for food, etc. As usual, Wilson Wu 'convinces' Irving (via esoteric equations) that something is amiss. The conclusion is both funny, enlightening and entertaining.

[Home Page][Index of Reviews][April 1998][June 1998]

Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine May 1998

Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine
May 1998