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nathanaeljs's review
5.0
It's been a long time since I've related to a piece of fiction like I did this. Beautiful and haunting.
abetterjulie's review
5.0
This might be one of the best short stories I've ever read. The deeply emotional wounds of a lonely and empathetic person were startling in their honesty and integrity. This is a beautiful example of writing without anxiety about the reader. This reads like a true account, nothing held back. It's powerful, and I'm grateful to the author for sharing it with all of us.
melissarochelle's review
3.0
This is an absolute heart-breaker of a short story. I just wanted to give Dominga and Nico a hug, but also wanted to tell them "I UNDERSTAND."
And this:
He makes an excited gesture, pointing to an idea. But his eyes are still fixed on the mirror surface of the table, and when he sees himself his jaw works. “What if his angel said, Oh, you’ve done more harm than good; but we all do, that’s life, those are the rules, there’s just more hurt to go around. Why couldn’t he, I forget his name, it doesn’t matter, why couldn’t he say, well, just redact me. Remove the fact of my birth. I’m a good guy, I don’t want to do anyone any harm, so I’m going to opt out. Do you think that’s possible? Not a suicide, that’s selfish, it hurts people. But a really selfless way out?”
Just to be erased. I've felt that.
The end (as is common with short stories) is a cliffhanger and the reader is left wondering does the number work? Is there a way out that doesn't hurt anyone? Very interesting idea and a beautifully sad story.
Read the story here: http://www.tor.com/2015/09/16/please-undo-this-hurt-seth-dickinson/
And this:
He makes an excited gesture, pointing to an idea. But his eyes are still fixed on the mirror surface of the table, and when he sees himself his jaw works. “What if his angel said, Oh, you’ve done more harm than good; but we all do, that’s life, those are the rules, there’s just more hurt to go around. Why couldn’t he, I forget his name, it doesn’t matter, why couldn’t he say, well, just redact me. Remove the fact of my birth. I’m a good guy, I don’t want to do anyone any harm, so I’m going to opt out. Do you think that’s possible? Not a suicide, that’s selfish, it hurts people. But a really selfless way out?”
Just to be erased. I've felt that.
The end (as is common with short stories) is a cliffhanger and the reader is left wondering does the number work? Is there a way out that doesn't hurt anyone? Very interesting idea and a beautifully sad story.
Read the story here: http://www.tor.com/2015/09/16/please-undo-this-hurt-seth-dickinson/
immakingtoast's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
howlinglibraries's review
5.0
Read via the Worlds Seen in Passing anthology.
A heartbreaking story about an EMT and her drinking pal, who has come to her to ask if she thinks there could ever be a way to be “unmade”. He doesn’t want to kill himself, he just wishes he’d never existed at all. Major content warnings for suicidal ideation on this one, but Seth writes like someone who genuinely gets depression, and the ending is positively stunning.
ETA: It's been two years since I read this short story and I still think of it constantly. Damn.
A heartbreaking story about an EMT and her drinking pal, who has come to her to ask if she thinks there could ever be a way to be “unmade”. He doesn’t want to kill himself, he just wishes he’d never existed at all. Major content warnings for suicidal ideation on this one, but Seth writes like someone who genuinely gets depression, and the ending is positively stunning.
ETA: It's been two years since I read this short story and I still think of it constantly. Damn.
fishmeal's review
4.0
This was a bit slow to start but the final conversation was *so worth it* - especially since it's a ~10 minute read. Beautiful prose and a real punchy climax.
alakascram's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Blood
Bug infestation mentionbeijaflor's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0