Strange Horizons, January 11, 2021

“The karyōbinga sings to Jiro” by Ryu Ando

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

“The karyōbinga sings to Jiro” by Ryu Ando is a brief tale about a man who encounters a bird that seems to be the reincarnation of his dead wife. There are subtle hints that an unspecified disaster has depopulated his community.

Written in a clear, elegant style, this quiet story has strong emotional appeal without sentiment or melodrama. The realistic details of daily life that fill the narrative make the speculative elements seem completely believable.

Victoria Silverwolf got an ice cream maker delivered today.