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A review by aquavenatus
Shades Within Us: Tales of Migrations and Fractured Borders by Lucas K. Law, Susan Forest
4.0
"Shades Within Us: Tales of Migrations and Fractured Borders" is the latest anthology (Book 4) in the "Laksa Anthology Series: Speculative Fiction." This volume in the series focuses on the concept of migration and identity. Even though this is a work of speculative fiction, the stories within it are very topical. The book contains stories by authors you have heard of, and by authors you have not heard of, but each story is worth the read.
Each story varies from protagonist to protagonist and their characteristics: race, age, ethnicity, sex, gender, education, sexuality, and of course, reason for migration. Each story takes place in a different part of the world, but with the reason each protagonist migrates, he/she/they realize there is a cost that comes along with it, usually a form of identity. At the same time, the protagonist has to find a way to cope with the changes of living in a new place can entail.
The speculative fiction inclusion allows for the reader to gain more understanding into what that cost can equate to, whether or not it is language, folklore and other beliefs, different dimensions, or magic. In addition, this inclusion allows for a better grasp as to what people bring and leave behind when migration occurs. This method of narration allows for more empathy towards the protagonists, their families, and what and who they left behind.
"Shades Within Us: Tales of Migrations and Fractured Borders" is an anthology that will leave you wondering about your family history with how and why certain members migrate either by immigration, or by emigration. It will make readers consider their identity and which part of their family's identity and culture's identity they continue to practice and why. There is a story in this anthology for all readers to enjoy.
I apologize for my late review of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Each story varies from protagonist to protagonist and their characteristics: race, age, ethnicity, sex, gender, education, sexuality, and of course, reason for migration. Each story takes place in a different part of the world, but with the reason each protagonist migrates, he/she/they realize there is a cost that comes along with it, usually a form of identity. At the same time, the protagonist has to find a way to cope with the changes of living in a new place can entail.
The speculative fiction inclusion allows for the reader to gain more understanding into what that cost can equate to, whether or not it is language, folklore and other beliefs, different dimensions, or magic. In addition, this inclusion allows for a better grasp as to what people bring and leave behind when migration occurs. This method of narration allows for more empathy towards the protagonists, their families, and what and who they left behind.
"Shades Within Us: Tales of Migrations and Fractured Borders" is an anthology that will leave you wondering about your family history with how and why certain members migrate either by immigration, or by emigration. It will make readers consider their identity and which part of their family's identity and culture's identity they continue to practice and why. There is a story in this anthology for all readers to enjoy.
I apologize for my late review of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.