Book Review: In the Distance, and Ahead in Time

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

In the Distance, and Ahead in Time     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
George Zebrowski
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Five Star, Dec 2002, $23.95, 293 pp.

This futuristic, often gloomy, look at humanity is divided into three sections. The near futures consist of five tales; the middle distance contains three stories; and the far futures include two entries. Each of the ten tales is well designed so that the audience believes in the possibility (and in some cases the probability) that the setting could one day exist though short stories typically do not by their nature lend itself enough time for the background. This is the key to George Zebrowski’s collection as the audience believes that the paths the author chose, whether it is relatively short run, somewhat into the future, or way out in time seem feasible based on present reality. This is Mr. Zebrowski’s talent as the stories go back to the 1960s, but stand the test of time, which is the critical litmus indicator for works over three decades old, especially within a book that prides itself with the title chosen. Readers will be surprised to realize that though some of the tales are more than four decades old, they have a timeless quality about them, as if the author had a vision and set it down on paper. This anthology is highly recommended.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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