[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, April 10, 2023
Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf
The title of “Murciélago” by Ana Hurtado is the Spanish word for “bat.” The story takes place in Ecuador, at a time in the future when pollution has destroyed all bird life. The narrator’s father studies bats in an attempt to determine how they have survived. Meanwhile, the narrator’s younger brother sinks into silence and depression. Only a seemingly miraculous event draws him out of his shell, leading to a remarkable transformation.
What happens to the brother is unlikely to surprise the reader, given several clues in the text. The story features three-dimensional characters with whom one can relate, even if the narrator’s girlfriend is not necessary to the plot. The author skillfully integrates many Spanish words into the narrative, in a manner which remains clear even to those who are ignorant of the language.
Victoria Silverwolf likes bats.