Starlight 2

Starlight 2 is another stunning collection of original short stories. Starlight 2 is a reminder that the short story form isn't dead, it isn't even sleeping. The worst story in the collection is good, the the best will leave you breathless. There is something about the order in which the stories are put that comprises a dramatic arc, though I can't analyze it. Nevertheless, unlike many anthologies, Starlight 2 is a cover-to-cover read, with resonances between the stories even though they are otherwise unlinked. That touch of artistry alone sets this anthology above most others.

In my experience "literary" fiction is often too remote or confusing to enjoy. Most of these stories have that fault. A curious exception is the Argentine translation which seemed like a relatively straightforward (compared to the others) fantasy about a young prince. I normally don't like fantasy, but it was of the made up kingdom variety & I can tolerate that. For an example of too remote there's "Lock Down" which might have been good if I had any reason to care about the characters. For too confusing there's "The Amount to Carry" which is so weird I think I blocked it out. There are some good stories here though. "Divided by Infinity" is a disturbing "Twilight Zonish" type story. Rapharel Carter's is kind of funny & I could've believed it was nonfiction if I didn't know better. Ted Chiang has won all sorts of awards even though he's published only 4 stories. His story was intriguing if sometimes hard to follow. I'd almost call it hard sf about grammar. Chiang's, Wilson's & maybe Carter's have a shot at making it to Dozois' year's best. In conclusion though I feel like I should warn you that these stories aren't entertaining or fun & that reading them has been a somewhat unpleasant experience for me. Despite being intellectually stimulating & addicting. I'd like to be for supporting original sf & f anthologies, but be forewarned. Note also that if you're the type who likes Kafka or subscribes to Crank! you'll probably like it.