PodCastle 103: Attar of Roses
May. 11th, 2010 10:13 amThis week, it's
kirizal's story "Attar of Roses." I've always thought of it as one of the stories that helped Clarkesworld make its reputation as one of the finest venues for short speculative fiction ever.
I marvel at how much the story does in less than 4000 words. Stylishly written, it evokes an entire world with its different factions clashing each other, and it spins complicated characters who are not quite what they seem. It creates opportunities for itself that a lesser story would have missed. A stunning, jaw-droppingly mature work (and its sale to Clarkesworld was her first sale!), it is rich and decadent and magical. I'm glad to be reminded of it again.
I marvel at how much the story does in less than 4000 words. Stylishly written, it evokes an entire world with its different factions clashing each other, and it spins complicated characters who are not quite what they seem. It creates opportunities for itself that a lesser story would have missed. A stunning, jaw-droppingly mature work (and its sale to Clarkesworld was her first sale!), it is rich and decadent and magical. I'm glad to be reminded of it again.