Maps in a Mirror: The Short Fiction of Orson Scott Card

There are only about five major novelists I've encountered the short fiction of and actually enjoyed the work in both areas. I ran across several of these stories in a shorter collection a few years back and read the book to pieces. "Eye for Eye" and "Kingsmeat" are among the best pieces of short fiction I've ever read the two of them alone are worth the price of the whole collection.

I've always loved collections of short stories, especially when the author includes introductions and afterwords to his works. It really gives the reader a chance to see into the mind of the writer, and to understand what he is all about. Maps in a Mirror succeeds admirably in bringing together the huge spectrum of Orson Scott Card's short stories. For the most part, the stories are thought-provoking and fun. Card's commentaries provide extra insight into how the stories came about. Some of the stories tend toward long-winded philosophy and moral arguing, which certainly isn't bad, but can become a bit tedious. Still, all of Card's gems are here, as well as many other less famous stories. There's nothing more enjoyable than being able to sit down and delve into a short story that you know you'll be finishing in one sitting. The short story is a world apart from the novel, and Card certainly does the style justice.

It was a crime to let this book go out of print! Fortunately, one of my friends, also an OSC fan, lent his copy to me "for a short while." Because I am an honest person, I returned it. Eventually. And only after seriously considering changing my name and moving to Alaska, all to avoid losing these stories.The book is divided into sections, each with a unifying theme: horror, classic science fiction, fantasy, parables, religion & ethics, and a mix of miscellaneous works. "The Changed Man," "Flux," "Maps in a Mirror," "Monkey Sonatas," and "Cruel Miracles" were also published as individual paperbacks, but "Lost Songs," which contains, among other things, the original short version of "Ender's Game," is only available in the comprehensive hardcover edition.Every facet of OSC's brilliance is displayed in this collection. His longer works, while also brilliant, have an unfortunate tendency to lag at points, but in short form he shines. Though not all the stories are of equal quality (hey, everyone has bad days), none are bad, and many are things of beauty and power. My personal favorites include "A Thousand Deaths," "Freeway Games," "Saving Grace," "Kingsmeat," "The Porcelain Salamander," "The Best Day," "I Think Mom and Dad Are Going Crazy, Jerry," and, of course, "Unaccompanied Sonata."Be aware: some of these stories contain graphic and disturbing images. They also contain disturbing ideas. But no one writes speculative literature better than OSC at his best, and this book has a lot of his best.

Card's previously un-anthologized fiction, all in one volume. A pretty sweet deal if I do say so, especially given the inclusion of some insightful new essays by the author and background information on each story. It's too bad that it's out of print; if you see a copy don't hesitate--snap it up! Sure it's expensive, but it's worth it.

Next to my Bible there is no more dog-eared copy of a book in my house than "Maps in a mirror". My wife and I have read through this book three times a piece. From powerfully chilling to heart wrenching sadness. Thanks Mr. Card you have thoroughly impressed me again!