Scan barcode
pogseu's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this short story.
I could immediately tell that the author has been dealing with chronic pain herself. Otherwise, she would not have been able to describe in such minute details how pain feels, or how family members react and feel when they see a loved one in pain.
Here’s a link to the story—https://www.tor.com/2017/04/19/a-burden-shared/
I could immediately tell that the author has been dealing with chronic pain herself. Otherwise, she would not have been able to describe in such minute details how pain feels, or how family members react and feel when they see a loved one in pain.
Here’s a link to the story—https://www.tor.com/2017/04/19/a-burden-shared/
ljrinaldi's review
4.0
We say we share pain, when we sympathize. But this is a world where pain actually is shared. Where with the tap of an app you can send your pain to a willing recipient.
In this case, it is the mother sharing the pain of her daughter.
It is an interesting concept, and what mother, or parent, wouldn't want to do this for their child?
It is interesting to read the comments, after reading the story, arguing about how women should not have to do this for their children, and why is it always the women, but it is clear in the story that this is something that both genders do, in fact, the beginning of the story talks about how Penny's ex has been doing it as well.
If you like Jo Walton, you will like this, as it reads like her near-future, slightly different future, stories. If you are unfamiliar with Jo Walton, this would be a good introduction. Then go forth and read some of her books.
You can read this for free on Tor.
In this case, it is the mother sharing the pain of her daughter.
It is an interesting concept, and what mother, or parent, wouldn't want to do this for their child?
It is interesting to read the comments, after reading the story, arguing about how women should not have to do this for their children, and why is it always the women, but it is clear in the story that this is something that both genders do, in fact, the beginning of the story talks about how Penny's ex has been doing it as well.
If you like Jo Walton, you will like this, as it reads like her near-future, slightly different future, stories. If you are unfamiliar with Jo Walton, this would be a good introduction. Then go forth and read some of her books.
You can read this for free on Tor.
ileana1's review
I like the family dynamics here - there is a lot left unsaid, and the subtext helps to make the story more memorable. The premise of being able to share your pain with other people or take their pain for them raises interesting questions that are hinted at without being spelled out.
curgoth's review
4.0
Oof. Right in the feels!
A short story in a world where pain can be redirected to other consenting people.
A short story in a world where pain can be redirected to other consenting people.
libraryofalexandra's review
2.0
I like the concept of this story but the execution fell flat for me.
abception's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
eggcellent_reads's review
This was a pretty depressing story. I thought the concept was INCREDIBLE but I'm not going to rate it due to the fact that it's only 20 pages long.
I'd recommend it!
I'd recommend it!
keu482's review
This is very sad. I can't imagine being in the shoes of all the people, it makes me want to cry.
callum_mclaughlin's review
3.0
I love the concept of this short from Tor Books. Set in the near future, the successful development of pain transference allows people to literally carry the burden of someone else’s sickness on their behalf. We follow a mother who has spent the majority of her adult daughter’s lifetime shouldering the excruciating pain of her degenerative joint condition, allowing her to focus on establishing her own life and career. With impressive brevity, Walton is able to comment on both the selflessness and the folly of her heroine’s actions, the story reading in some ways like a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring your own health and happiness for the benefit of others.
This functions well as a short story, but even so I would have liked a little more emotional depth. It cut off very abruptly, just as the potential for some excellent character development was presented. Still, I was impressed by how many layers of a complex moral and medical issue Walton was able to touch on within the scope of such a small word count.
This functions well as a short story, but even so I would have liked a little more emotional depth. It cut off very abruptly, just as the potential for some excellent character development was presented. Still, I was impressed by how many layers of a complex moral and medical issue Walton was able to touch on within the scope of such a small word count.