[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, August 18, 2025
Reviewed by Francine Taylor
In “Yesterday” by A.M. Barrie, Hazel and Jackson often sneak into the woods to hear the trees speak—something most adults avoid ever since the Rustling, when the trees started speaking of what they had seen; of the injustices and the wars and the senseless violence and death that they had previously witnessed in silence. For Hazel, the voices stir up conflict: her parents shut them out and expect her to do the same, while Jackson embraces them with a passionate conviction that he believes he shares with her. Torn between loyalty to her family and her best friend, Hazel makes a promise she cannot keep—one that leads to tragic consequences.
This is a somber story about the cost of caring—too much, too little, or not at all—and how our choices are shaped by those we love. The whimsical, vivid prose gives the narrative a sense of wonder, even as it grapples with heavy themes of loyalty, guilt, and responsibility. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking, emotionally charged stories with a generous helping of the fantastical will find this an enjoyable read.