The August issue of Clarkesworld continues with this second story. It is a challenge to read as it describes a form of sentient mycelium, essentially the root system of a fungus. The tale opens when a wife on a colonized planet starts to hear the voice of her dead husband on the radio from outside her habitat. The colony is run by a myopic corporation that cares little for its employees. This attitude contributed to the death of the woman’s husband, who she starts to see as well as hear. It becomes clear that the source of these hallucinations is the sentient mycelium communicating with her. But what this means is explored in the story and culminates in the surprising climax.
The story is told largely through the hallucinations of the wife and from her perspective. This is what creates the cognitive friction for the reader, with all the rewards that come with it. Ultimately, the author explores the idea of what alive means and how different life could be from what we as humans know of it. A fascinating and fantastic read.
My rating: 5/5
