Exploring the Shift from Earnestness: How Science Fiction and Fantasy Transform Our Literary Landscape | Los Angeles Review of Books

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024: A Review

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024 marks the 10th year of showcasing short stories in this genre. Each volume includes about 80 tales curated by series editor John Joseph Adams. He selects these stories from various SF magazines and literary journals, and then a guest editor makes further selections. This method ensures a great standard while allowing the guest editor to leave their unique imprint. This year, the guest editor is Hugh Howey, known for his captivating novel Wool.

Howey’s selections lean towards stories that will resonate with a broad audience. This collection features both casual readers and budding writers. It’s perfect for anyone interested in exploring different styles and themes in speculative fiction.

As a teacher, I find these anthologies valuable in the classroom. They illustrate various approaches to storytelling and help students practice literary analysis. I’m always on the lookout for stories that spark engaging discussions, and this collection is no exception.

One standout is Sam J. Miller’s “If Someone You Love Has Become a Vurdalak.” This story explores addiction through the eyes of a young gay man whose brother becomes a creature that thrives on love. It delves into themes of loss, cynicism, and the bonds of family. Miller skillfully handles sensitive topics with empathy and rich character development.

Another notable piece is Thomas Ha’s “Window Boy.” In a world divided by wealth, a boy forms an unlikely friendship with a survivor outside his sheltered window. Ha’s narrative challenges concepts of privilege and complicity. It leaves us pondering the nature of human connections across social divides.

On a lighter note, Ann Leckie’s “The Long Game” tells the story of a quirky alien navigating its species’ short lives. The protagonist’s comical determination to extend its kind’s existence adds a refreshing twist and showcases Leckie’s storytelling voice.

Rebecca Roanhorse’s “Falling Bodies” tackles identity issues through the lens of adoption by alien colonizers. This narrative addresses the complexities of belonging and the struggle of navigating multiple identities, resonating especially with college students.

Sloane Leong’s “The Blade and the Bloodwright” presents a dark fantasy involving a witch manipulated as a weapon. This story grapples with themes of violence and the power dynamics at play, leaving readers with thought-provoking questions about morality and oppression.

Every story in this anthology has something to teach us about craft. For example, Isabel J. Kim’s “Zeta-Epsilon” presents a strong narrative about a pilot and a sentient spacecraft, showcasing tight storytelling. A. R. Capetta’s “Resurrection Highway” inventively combines necromancy with a thrilling road trip theme.

Trends in this year’s collection highlight ongoing global issues like imperialism and class divisions. Environmental themes are less prominent than in previous years. It’s interesting to see how the stories reflect current events, often more promptly than novels do.

This edition of the anthology emphasizes characters involved in unjust systems, rather than traditional heroes or victims. The focus is on their complexities and the psychological struggles they face. This approach diverges from the trend of oversimplified narratives often seen on social media.

While I enjoy many of the selections, I would have liked to see a more diverse range of publications represented. Including stories from literary magazines could enhance the understanding of genre fiction’s broader landscape. Additionally, including an introductory essay would provide valuable context for readers exploring these themes for the first time.

Despite a few minor points of contention, The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024 is a powerful collection. It invites readers to consider the intricacies of human relationships in unpredictable futures—an essential theme as we enter 2025.

Siobhan Maria Carroll is an associate professor of English at the University of Delaware. As a writer and researcher of speculative fiction, she uses her work to explore the darker aspects of history, science, and the environment.