Search This Blog

Monday, July 2, 2012

The Shadow Man by Donald Mead

Writers of the Future XXV

Jiro Ota is the “Shadow Man” who collects shadows from the bombing of Hiroshima--shadows still talking, reliving their last moments. Part of Jiro’s obsession is that his mother disappeared the morning of the bombing and desperately wants to reconnect. However, local henchman, Four-Fingers threatens Jiro if he doesn’t deliver more shadows to the Mafioso Rice King; moreover, the Rice King has what Jiro wants if he tries not to deliver.

A tale both moving and wonderworking. The surprise ending doesn’t quite work, but the conceit is still nifty. wrihas gone on to publish in F&SF.

No comments:

Post a Comment