[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, July 11, 2022

“Bonesoup” by Eugenia Triantafyllou

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

The grandmother of the narrator of “Bonesoup” by Eugenia Triantafyllou refuses to give her sweets, although she provides them to other children. When the grandmother is near death, the narrator, now an adult, discovers the reason for this behavior. She uses it to help the dying woman.

The speculative content of the story is subtle, revealed only at the end. This relatively brief tale depends almost entirely on the revelation for its effect. The author writes in a clear, engaging style, even if the work is a minor one.

Victoria Silverwolf doesn’t eat meat.