Strange Horizons, September 5, 2016

“Applied Cenotaphics in the Long, Long Longitudes” by Vajra Chandrasekera

Reviewed by    Kevin P Hallett

This short science fiction story follows an interview of Satka, a science fiction writer who died and left her face and personality to a foundation. In the interview, the artificial essence of Satka answers a variety of questions from the Internet about her life and work. She, or it, expresses many opinions about the Indian subcontinent’s long and varied past.

This was a difficult story to follow for anyone unfamiliar with the history of the subcontinental region. There are frequent references to names and events not normally discussed in western schools or politics. The SF aspect was narrow and the majority of the story was dedicated to a series of opinions and anecdotes about the region’s past events. I did not find it an interesting story to read as it dragged in many places and was confusing at times. This story may not be of interest to any but those with a familiarity and appreciation of India’s long history and may not work for a more general SF audience.