[On May 10, 2021 Strange Horizons officially expressed its political support for Palestinian solidarity. The views of Tangent Online reviewers are not necessarily those of Strange Horizons. Fiction critiqued at Tangent Online is, as much as is humanly possible, without prejudice and based solely on artistic merit.]

Strange Horizons, July 12, 2021

“Data Migration” by Melanie Harding-Shaw

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

“Data Migration” by Melanie Harding-Shaw is a very short story that takes the form of computer messages from a teacher to young students. Through these assignments, the reader can tell that the setting is a near future of climate change. In a few words, the author manages to create a plausible tomorrow while avoiding melodrama. The way in which the teacher sends encouraging messages to the students, while acknowledging the challenges they face, creates an optimistic mood not often found in this kind of fiction.

Victoria Silverwolf is having a busy night at work.