[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, October 4, 2021

“Night Shift” by Max Franciscovich

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

A married couple who have lost a child to death are the main characters in “Night Shift” by Max Franciscovich. The story follows the husband’s day from early in the morning, through his work at the office, and late into the night. It opens with a disturbing scene that is not explained until the end.

The plot’s fantasy content is the fact that the wife, mourning for their child, seems to be slowly changing into a bird, her nails turning into talons and her body producing feathers. She also claims that her mother changed into a crow after her father died. (It should be mentioned that both characters are transgendered, which emphasizes the theme of transformation.)

There are hints throughout the narration that the husband obtains money in a way that is not disclosed until the final scene. What is revealed about him seems out of place with the rest of the story, and changes the reader’s feelings about an otherwise sympathetic character.

Victoria Silverwolf works the night shift.