Unraveling Threads of Time: A Review of This All Come Back Now
From the moment I stumbled upon This All Come Back Now: An Anthology of First Nations Speculative Fiction, I felt an unmistakable pull. Co-edited by a collective of brilliant Indigenous voices, this anthology presented itself as an opportunity to explore speculative fiction through a uniquely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lens—an alluring invitation into worlds that transcended the boundaries of time and convention. As someone who cherishes both fantasy and cultural narratives, the promises woven into this collection made it impossible to resist.
The anthology unfolds like a tapestry, rich with stories that delve into themes of loss, recovery, and the cyclical nature of history. Each narrative echoes the idea that ultimately, "this all come back." The contributions range from haunting tales of ancestral spirits to astute reflections on our potential futures, each one steeped in a profoundly Indigenous perspective. As I navigated through the pages, I found my heart stirred by characters, each a poignant reminder of the importance of kinship and connection to country. Writers like Jennifer Mills and Michael Mohammed Ahmad drew me into complex emotional landscapes, where the past and future converged in a powerful embrace.
The writing style across the anthology was varied, yet undeniably cohesive. Some stories unfolded with a poetic cadence, almost lyrical in their exploration of identity and culture, while others leaned towards sharp, incisive narratives that challenged my perceptions of reality. The pacing was a delightful dance—some pieces quickened my pulse with urgency, while others invited quiet reflection. Standouts like Ellen van Neerven’s bold storytelling and the evocative imagery employed by Ambelin Kwaymullina lingered in my mind long after each tale ended, their voices echoing like whispers from the past into the present.
One story that profoundly resonated with me was "The Healing" by Rachael Hocking, where the protagonist confronts personal and collective trauma in a landscape both unnervingly familiar and otherworldly. The line, “We heal in the flow of remembering,” struck me deeply; it underscores an essential truth about the power of storytelling. This collection is not only an exploration of speculative fiction but also a powerful love letter to those who have come before and to future generations.
This anthology is not merely for readers of speculative fiction; it calls out to anyone interested in understanding the richness of First Nations narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this book has something profound to offer. It invites us to reconsider our histories and futures and to recognize the omnipresent ties that connect us to each other and to the earth.
In closing, This All Come Back Now is an enlightening journey that I didn’t just read; I felt it. It sparked reflections on my own life and heritage, reminding me of the intricate threads that weave through our human experience. If you’re looking for stories that challenge, comfort, and invigorate, then I wholeheartedly recommend taking this journey into the realms of First Nations speculative fiction. You won’t just read— you’ll feel the profound impact of a narrative that truly resonates.
You can find This All Come Back Now: An anthology of First Nations speculative fiction here >>