[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, November 20, 2023

“Patsy Cline Sings Sweet Dreams to the Universe” by Beston Barnett

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

The narrator of “Patsy Cline Sings Sweet Dreams to the Universe” by Beston Barnett is the recorded memory of the author himself, when he went rock climbing with the woman who would be the mother of his son. Along with associated memories, it is sent into space for possible communication with extraterrestrials.

The author successfully uses the very tricky technique of making himself a fictional character while avoiding excessive introspection or solipsism. The story’s science fiction premise is interesting and plausible. The narrative covers many profound themes in a relatively short space, including romantic love, parenthood, aging, and genocide.

Victoria Silverwolf does not go rock climbing.