[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, November 3, 2025

“Palimpsest” by Melissa A Watkins

The first of Strange Horizon’s offerings this month is “Palimpsest” by Melissa Watkins. Kevin’s mother has died, and he has been offered the chance to access some of her sensory impressions and memories before she died. Kevin, originally from Vietnam, had always been reluctant to talk about her, her background, and her past. Kevin must decide what his options are. Interesting concept and setting, especially with its depiction of climate change, but the ending was a bit anticlimactic.

Chuck Rothman’s novel The Cadaver Princess is out from Amazing Stories Selects. He’s online at chuckrothman.com.