Review – The Atonement Path
This one was… disturbing. Certainly interesting and definitely captivating. A thought provoking piece that I do recommend you read (or listen to).
I found it in the Lightspeed Magazine online. A magazine that has plenty of free short stories to read and listen to. This story, I found by clicking on the author’s name, Alex Irvine, and perusing through his works published in the magazine.
The style was engaging – we only get one side of the conversation, never actually hearing the questions asked, only the answers to them. It’s part of what makes this story engaging: you want to figure out who is asking the questions and for what purpose. Of course, it also acts as a stand in for the audience, we would presumably ask very similar questions. This is also what makes the ending so hard hitting.
I really don’t know what else to say, except that it left a lasting impression. So, definitely Read it! But beware of the mood it might put you in.
Wow, you are right.
I couldn’t stop reading.
The dehumanization of it all.
I think the ending is especially impactful because we start identifying with the off-page inquirer, who seems to be appalled by the system… until…
PS – I’m so excited you followed my recommendation!