Not all ghost stories need to be scary. And not all stories about death need to be frightening.
I love reading stories from all genres. And while I enjoy many tales of horror, I’ll admit that I scare quite easily. So usually when Halloween season rolls around, I like to get into the spirit of things by reading some stories that are less about shock and violence, and more about the psychology of fear or the theme of mortality. This year, of course, has been such a strange and challenging one for so many people and for so many reasons. With the arrival of my second child and the need for social distancing in the face of a global pandemic, I’ve been reflecting quite frequently on my connections with friends and family, as well as the grim reality of loss. This, it seems, has impacted my recent reading list, although I still gravitate towards fiction with semblances of hope and positivity.
With that mind, here is a trio of short stories that I’ve enjoyed recently, each one meditating in its own way on the afterlife, one’s purpose, and the complex—and often complicated—bonds between loved ones.
“Holding” by John Adams
“Holding” is a unique take on a ghost story. It’s a short and sweet tale about the effects that a parent’s choices can have on their children. To say much more would spoil a series of intriguing reveals. So I’ll simply note that this story isn’t scary—indeed, I’d say its tone is primarily light-hearted and thoughtful—and it showcases the comfort one can discover in seeking answers to tough questions. Check it out at Metaphorosis Magazine.
“Death and Natalie, Natalie and Death” by Jordan Taylor
There are countless stories about death, and quite a large number of stories where death itself is a fully realized character. But I haven’t encountered a story where Death has such a unique identity or such a unique relationship with another individual. What could easily be a melancholy story about loss is, instead, a whimsical examination of friendship and the societal roles in which we all find ourselves. This is thanks to Taylor’s skill at crafting a believable set of characters and delicate yet fully realized imagery. This is a story that made me want to phone some old friends to simply let them know that I was thinking of them. Read it in the Issue VI of All Worlds Wayfarer.
“One Time, A Reluctant Traveler” by A.T. Greenblatt
As an avid cyclist, this story drew me in immediately with the premise of a long-distance bike trip. And although I wouldn’t classify this as a ghost story, it does reflect heavily upon death and the impact of lost loved ones. A.T. Greenblatt won a Nebula Award this year for another short story—“Give The Family My Love”—and this story echoes some of the same engaging elements: a journey of self discovery amidst intense hardship, a yearning to connect with family, and an utterly unique setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Give it a read over at Clarkesworld.
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