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A review by ericderoulet
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror: Volume 4 by Paula Guran
4.0
Opening with the usual disclaimer that no reader will be satisfied with every story in a collection, this volume nicely rounds up some powerful meditations on grief and loss, all from very distinct perspectives. The stories I'd most recommend out of this lot are:
“Swim the Darkness” by Michael Kelly. Resonantly painful in a way I'm glad to read in fiction and would prefer not to experience for myself. And I'm always a sucker for gorgeous imagery.
“Douen” by Suzan Palumbo. This one's genuinely distressing at several points and empathetic throughout. I also can't recall the last time I've seen the voice of a child character written so convincingly. Readers who struggle with the dialect used throughout the story will benefit from broadening their horizons anyway. :)
“The Long Way Up” by Alix E. Harrow. The only issue with this story might be the none-too-likeable main character, but some stories work best with a main character who isn't likeable!
“Swim the Darkness” by Michael Kelly. Resonantly painful in a way I'm glad to read in fiction and would prefer not to experience for myself. And I'm always a sucker for gorgeous imagery.
“Douen” by Suzan Palumbo. This one's genuinely distressing at several points and empathetic throughout. I also can't recall the last time I've seen the voice of a child character written so convincingly. Readers who struggle with the dialect used throughout the story will benefit from broadening their horizons anyway. :)
“The Long Way Up” by Alix E. Harrow. The only issue with this story might be the none-too-likeable main character, but some stories work best with a main character who isn't likeable!