The Readers’ Guide
What’s in Issue 1040
| Novel | In the crypt of the pyramid after visiting hours, Karyn’s pendant proves to be a key that unlocks a mysteriously modern-looking chamber. Humphrey Price, Temple of the Inscriptions
Chapter 3: Secret Chamber
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| Novella |
The physician recalls his student days in Prague when he explored the history of the cemetery Beth-Chaim, the “House of Life,” and became acquainted with and increasingly attached to his fascinating guide, Jemimah. Wilhelm Raabe, Elderflowers, part 3 |
| Short Stories |
New contributor Jack Croughwell depicts how Vittoria cares for her friend Cecelia, whose grief takes her into a spiral of delusion. Jelly Side Down New contributor James Hanna introduces young Deborah, who delights in playing with Thumbelina, a tiny alien refugee from the asteroid belt. Her father learns the truth of an old science fiction adage: “If space aliens are anything like human beings, run for the hills.” Wee Folk, part 1; conclusion New contributor Gerald R. Kozak sympathizes with a long-suffering judge in a court scene where both the plaintiff and defendant act out the roles of nut jobs. All Rise! For millennia, divorce has been discouraged and even punished in Chinese society, even when its need was obvious. But now women are asking: isn’t love more valuable than a harsh tradition? Huina Zheng, The Meaning of Home |
| Flash Fiction |
When an elf swipes a pair of boots, how will Santa judge him? Keep an eye on the bailiff, lest he be more than he seems. Charles C. Cole, Osric Goes to Court |
| Short Poetry |
Robin Helweg-Larsen, On a Dead Spaceship B. K. Mox, Drown Him Out |
Departments
| Welcome | Bewildering Stories introduces and welcomes Jack Croughwell, James Hanna and Gerald R. Kozak. |
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| Discussion | Bewildering Stories discusses The Meaning of Home with Huina Zheng |
| Challenge | Challenge 1040 finds a face in A Door Ajar. |
| The Reading Room |
Douglas Young reviews Bernie Taupin’s Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton, and Me |
| The Art Gallery |
John Eric Ellison, Librarian A randomly rotating selection of Bewildering Stories’ art NASA: Picture of the Day Sky and Telescope, This Week’s Sky at a Glance |
Randomly selected Bewildering motto:
Randomly selected classic rejection notice:
Bewildering Stories’ official mottoes:
“Poems are not made with ideas; they are made with words.” — Stéphane Mallarmé
Ars longa, vita brevis. Rough translation: “Proofreading never ends.”
To Bewildering Stories’ schedule: In Times to Come
Readers’ reactions are always welcome.
Please write!
