Review: Nebula Awards Showcase 2011 ~ edited by Kevin J. Anderson

Review by Shellie: Nebula Awards Showcase 2011 ~ edited by Kevin J. Anderson        

An incredible collection of short stories, novelettes, one novella,  poetry and more -representing the best in the science fiction and fantasy field published in 2009. All chosen by peers from the SFWA –Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

In summary: I enjoyed every story in this great anthology, one of which is the best short stories I have ever read. Yep, it was that good. Subjective star ratings are shown for each individual work. I encourage you to read these yourself as they are an exciting bunch for anyone interested in SFF (and horror since there are many threads within this selection). Overall, I give this book a rare 5 stars.

Short Stories ~ (under 7,500 words):

“Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela” by Saladin Ahmed  ~  An exotic story set in old Iran where a Sultan’s physician is sent into a dusty rural area as punishment because of his directness (he confronted the king, opposing the marriage of his lover to an old rich man.) During his exile he is called to cure a hermit’s wife, who has a startling affliction. Purported to be a witch, she is in fact more. With descriptive language and light insight into some of daily practices from Muslim culture, I re-told this great tale to John over Persian food the subsequent evening. Delicious and entertaining at 4.5 stars.

“I Remember the Future” by Michael A. Burstein  ~  An aging and dying science fiction author deals with the anger and angst from his daughter from his slights and perceived neglect toward her over the years. As he descends into a happy madness, there was a tear inducing ending. 5 stars.

Non-Zero Probabilities” by N. K. Jemisin  ~ A down to earth and intelligent story, that is a “walk around” New York. It has a creative, fantastical, and magical link into a  probability of sorts. It made me giggle and blush too. 4 stars.

“Going Deep” by James Patrick Kelly  ~  A science fiction story whose main character is a tween girl. Living on a dying space center this girl’s genetic heritage is determined as – “space traveler”. The last in this “retired” collection, it is a relatable tale which accesses the psyche of the main character in an amazing way. A terrific story, which I want to read more of. It’s a 4.5 stars in my opinion.

“Bridesicle” by Will McIntosh  ~  Horror, science fiction, and humor mesh in this story, where attractive dead women are frozen for reanimation and can be revived for dating and marriage purposes. Darkly hilarious and an incredible idea, this tale gave me “giggle tears”. I laughed till I cried at 4.5 stars.

Winner:  “Spar” by Kij Johnson ~ A dark, horrific, and erotic science fiction short that includes an amorphous non-human alien. Not for the faint of heart or stomach. This story deserves 4 stars.

SFWA Author Emeritus – Neal Barrett, Jr.  ~  “Getting Dark” ~  A southern story of sorts where the female narrator is haunting or being haunted - perhaps both? This is surreal and earthy, with a dark and sexual thread told in an authentic female voice. I give it 4 stars.

Novelette ~ (over 7,500 and under 17,500 words):

“The Gambler” by Paolo Bacigalupi  ~  Set in the future, a Laos refugee escapes his deteriorating country for the US only to find that his idealism does not work here - within the ever increasing thrill and monetary seeking society that the US has become. With an environmental thread - apparently one of this author’s major themes; this is an incredible story with interesting and sensitive cultural insight. It’s definitely a 5 stars.

“Vinegar Peace” by Michael Bishop  ~  An emotional and convoluted story about orphaned parents - designated as such and put to pasture when they loose their children in death. Set in the future it is difficult, full of angst, and has a hallucination-like feel to it as it is often a natural consequence from a severe loss. Its is a 4 stars in my opinion.

“I Needs Must Part, the Policeman Said” by Richard Bowes ~  A dying man is brought into a hospital and falls into various dream like states around his life and the experiences of his friends; many ill like himself from Aids-related complications. I laughed, cried and just loved this incredible story. I’m now a serious fan; this is a 5 star from an incredibly sensitive and insightful author.

“Divining Light” by Ted Kosmatka  ~ Every once in a while you read something that just “blows you away”. That is the case with this story – consequently it is my favorite from the collection. It goes beyond any of my expectation and includes elements from several of my preferred genre mixes - horror, science fiction and an encompassing “meaning of life” thread. In my opinion it’s an impossible 5.5 stars.  

“A Memory of Wind” by Rachel Swirsky ~  Reviewed by me in another post - linked via the title. It is based upon Iphigenia and set in ancient Greece. I gave it 4 stars.

Winner: “ Sinner, Baker, Fabulist, Priest: Red Mask, Black Mask, Gentleman, Beast”  By Eugie Foster  ~  In this consciousness-bending story –  described as a “dystopian” tale - identity is a key element. The individuals of this society are required to wear masks imbued with different drugs/hormones which change daily. There is an element of blending of genders so the story will be classified as GLBT; it also contains a horrific thread. I enjoyed this phantasmagorical story at 4 stars.

Damon Knight Grand Master - Joe Haldeman ~  “A !Tangled Web”  ~  An excellent science fiction short which tells the tale of a business deal made between humans and aliens on a planet other than earth. The aliens have an interesting physiology and language, and a method of self-depreciation which is beyond western behaviors. Because of this it’s a darkly funny short with an intriguing alien, written by an author who is rightly honored as a Grand Master in the field. This is my first story by him at 4.5 stars. 

Rhysling Awards (poetry):

“Song for an Ancient City” by Amal El-Mohtar ~  Is about a magical ancient city; a short and lovely poem.

“Search” and “Fireflies” by Geoffrey A. Landis ~  The first poem speaks of a hope in finding other life forms in the stars; the other compares fireflies and the stars.    

I enjoyed all three at 4 stars each.

Novella (over 17,500 and under 40,000 words): 

Winner:  The Women of Nell Gwynne’s ~ by Kage Baker ~ This is a historical fantasy which will be reviewed in a separate post. Its published cover is to the right. 

---

Full Length Novels (40,000 words or more) and not included in this book are:

Andre Norton Award (young adult) ~  Winner:  The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making ~ by Catherynne M. Valente.  Reviewed by me in another post on this blog which is linked via the title. 4 stars. 

Winner for the Novel: The Windup Girl ~ by Paolo Bacigalupi ~ This is sitting on John’s nightstand so should be read soon. I predict that this may be his first 5 star review for the blog?

That’s all folks - for this huge and complicated post with highly recommended stories from this “cream of the crop” collection. This was a tough one to complete. How do you review an anthology such as this?  I am thinking maybe I should start working on the 2010 winners and nominees since maybe I will be fortunate enough to receive next year’s copy of the Showcase. One can dream.

Thanks for reading.