[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, May 9, 2022

“The Destination Star” by Gregory Marlow

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

“The Destination Star” by Gregory Marlow takes place on a generation starship. Those aboard are only allowed to see the real stars, instead of a simulated environment inside the ship, a few times in their lives. The protagonist agrees to perform a dangerous maintenance chore for another inhabitant of the vessel in exchange for a token that will allow him to see the stars once again.

For a publication that often features experimental fiction, this is something of an anomaly. The narrative style is clear and direct, and the story would not be out of place in the pages of Analog. The author creates a convincing portrait of one who knows he will not live long enough to see the ship reach its destination, but who continues to labor in the behalf of future generations.

Victoria Silverwolf is working on continuing education at work tonight.