[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, March 10, 2025

“Another Trip Around the Sun” by Jon Poley

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

“Another Trip Around the Sun” by Jon Poley takes place after a gigantic solar storm destroys electrical systems. The main character struggles to survive the disaster while dealing with the theft of her vegetable garden and being robbed of personal possessions at gunpoint.

The author creates a chillingly realistic post-apocalyptic setting through the use of vivid details. There is not very much plot, with much of the text dealing with the protagonist’s memories of her dead brother. This is the author’s first published work, revealing talent that could be used in stories with more development and resolution.

Victoria Silverwolf has a dryer that needs fixing.