Nisi Shawl's steampunk-flavored alternate history of the "Belgian"
Congo, Everfair, has taken the science fiction and fantasy world by
storm. No surprise there. Their swift, sure, and savvy short stories had
already established them as a cutting-edge Afrofuturist icon whose
politically charged fiction is in the grand feminist tradition of Ursula
K. Le Guin, Octavia Butler, and Suzy McKee Charnas.
In these previously uncollected stories, Shawl explores the unexpected
possibilities and perils opened up by SF&F's new intersectionality. In
Shawl's side-slippery world, sex can be both commerce and worship,
complete with ancient rites, altars, and ointments ("Women of the
Doll"); a virtual reality high school is a proving ground for girlpacks
and their unfortunate adversaries ("Walk like a Man"); and a British
rock singer finds an image in a mirror that reflects both future hits
and ancient horrors ("Something More"). Also included is a presentation
at a southern university, in which they patiently (and gleefully)
deconstructs the academic and arcane intersections between ancient rites
and modern tech. Ifa, anyone?
Plus:
Our Outspoken Interview with Shawl, in which unapologetics are
proffered, riddles are unraveled, and icons are, as always, clasted.