Scan barcode
vorsoisson's review
4.0
"Grandma Harken thought of herself as an old lady, because she was one. That she was tougher than tree roots and barbed wire did not matter. You did not steal an old lady’s tomatoes. It was rude, and also, she would destroy you."
chirson's review
4.0
What a treat. It's rare that I feel the atmosphere, the mood, the vibe of a story as keenly as here. The desert, cacti and water. I loved the voice, the characters and the world, and particularly the confrontation, which evoked the familiar folklore tales of my childhood. I see there was a reason to keep this tab open all these months.
caedocyon's review
5.0
Highly highly HIGHLY recommend reading this. It's available free at http://www.apex-magazine.com/the-tomato-thief/
I'm going to be thinking about badass old women, the mysterious bargain between the train gods and the desert, and tomato sandwiches for a very long time.
I'm going to be thinking about badass old women, the mysterious bargain between the train gods and the desert, and tomato sandwiches for a very long time.
titusfortner's review
5.0
Review merged from Tomato Thief
This is a 2017 Hugo Nominee for Best Novelette.
In only a few pages this author creates a wonderful world and includes a fascinating protagonist. Very well written and engaging, this is the perfect kind of story for this format; enough world building to matter, but managing the scope to a specific story.
This is a 2017 Hugo Nominee for Best Novelette.
In only a few pages this author creates a wonderful world and includes a fascinating protagonist. Very well written and engaging, this is the perfect kind of story for this format; enough world building to matter, but managing the scope to a specific story.
victorien's review
3.0
Ursula Vernon’s works were fantastic as always, and I have mixed feelings about “Riding Atlas”, but I felt the rest were mostly forgettable. I entirely skipped the “Paper Tigers” excerpt and the final short story; they weren’t doing it for me after even a few pages.
crtsjffrsn's review
3.0
Grandma Harken lives out on the edge of town, away from most everyone else. Many speculate on why that is: Is it for privacy? Is she a witch? Does she just not like people? But maybe the real question is: Does it even matter? One thing Grandma Harken does like are her prized tomatoes. When they start disappearing from her garden, however, she finds herself with her own set of questions about the thief. And what follows is a double lesson on why one should never make assumptions or judge people based on the little information we can get from just a glance or two.
There was no question for me that this was destined to win the Hugo Award in the novelette category once I had a chance to read all the finalists. In a relatively short space, Ursula Vernon packs in a well-paced fantasy story with a touch of mystery and some action to go along with it. The storytelling is gripping, and while the overall message seems like a serious one, I felt a lightness to it all that kept it from becoming too heavy. I do find reviewing shorter fiction to be difficult because sometimes I worry about having enough to talk about without spoiling the plot. There is so much here, though, that I know I have not even come close. The story is available to read for free on the Apex Magazine website, so I suggest checking it out when you get a chance.
There was no question for me that this was destined to win the Hugo Award in the novelette category once I had a chance to read all the finalists. In a relatively short space, Ursula Vernon packs in a well-paced fantasy story with a touch of mystery and some action to go along with it. The storytelling is gripping, and while the overall message seems like a serious one, I felt a lightness to it all that kept it from becoming too heavy. I do find reviewing shorter fiction to be difficult because sometimes I worry about having enough to talk about without spoiling the plot. There is so much here, though, that I know I have not even come close. The story is available to read for free on the Apex Magazine website, so I suggest checking it out when you get a chance.
saguaros's review
5.0
A novelette full of desert lore (and some interesting additions--would love to know more about the train-gods) and a protagonist I really adored.
(the first part, which is a short story, can also be read online http://www.apex-magazine.com/jackalope-wives/)
(the first part, which is a short story, can also be read online http://www.apex-magazine.com/jackalope-wives/)
snazel's review
5.0
SO GOOD. A THOUSAND GRANDMA HARKEN BOOKS ARE REQUIRED. THIS MADE ME FEEL FONDLY ABOUT THE DESERT, WHICH IS NOT A THING THAT HAPPENS.
Ugh such a good Coyote also. And a god of trains! And tactical use of uncomfortable furniture! Gilla monster!
Ugh such a good Coyote also. And a god of trains! And tactical use of uncomfortable furniture! Gilla monster!