Strange Horizons, April 20, 2020

“Our Souls to the Moon” by Tamara Jerée

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

Although it takes place on Neptune, and includes many science fiction elements, “Our Souls to the Moon” by Tamara Jerée is really a mystical fantasy.

The two main characters live in a repressive society with a rigid class system. As members of the lowest class, they barely survive by working in a factory that makes telescopes. Only members of the highest class may use these telescopes. By gazing at Sao, a tiny moon of Neptune, they achieve a state of ecstasy.

The pair both lose their jobs after a manager falsely accuses one of stealing a telescope component. Members of a cult offer them the chance to transfer their souls to Sao forever, but only after one makes a terrible sacrifice.

This story is full of exotic details, creating a dream-like mood. As an example, one of the two main characters has eyes made of moonstone, which is an important part of the plot. The reader is carried along by the author’s poetic style, but may wish for a bit more clarity concerning the strange events that occur.

Victoria Silverwolf didn’t know Neptune had a moon named Sao until she read this story.