[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, January 13, 2025

“Pearlescent Tickwad” by Samir Sirk Morató

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

In “Pearlescent Tickwad” by Samir Sirk Morató, a woman finds out that she is actually a colony of millions of ticks inside a human skin. The discovery changes her relationship with her husband and child.

There is not much more to the story than the premise, which is revealed in the opening sentence. The theme appears to be that love can overcome great challenges. The author describes the grotesque situation in vivid detail, which may disturb some readers but might appeal to fans of body horror. The husband’s calm acceptance of his wife’s true nature requires at least as much suspension of disbelief as the premise itself.

Victoria Silverwolf has seen ticks on cats.