Flash Fiction Online #118, July 2023

“Dave the Terrible” by Brent Baldwin (nongenre, not reviewed)

“When the Forest Comes to You” by E. M. Linden

“Patrice” by Meredith Gordon (nongenre, not reviewed)

“Café Negro” by Julian Riccobon (reprint, not reviewed)

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

This issue’s only new fantasy story is “When the Forest Comes to You” by E. M. Linden. The text follows the main character from early childhood to adulthood, when he has a small son of his own. During all this time he is obsessed with becoming one with trees, a desire which comes true at the end.

There is little suspense in the plot, so the story’s main appeal comes from its poetic style and frequent literary allusions. The protagonist marries and has a child, but he seems to live in a dream world, and the other characters are barely present. This adds a mood of loneliness and melancholy to the work, which may be its intent.

Victoria Silverwolf likes trees.