Journey Through Shadows and Light: A Review of Passageways: Short Speculative Fiction
Sometimes, a book finds you at just the right moment, resonating with aspects of your life or thoughts you didn’t even realize were floating on the surface. That was my experience with Passageways: Short Speculative Fiction by Lisa Fox. Having previously enjoyed her debut collection Core Truths, I was eager to delve into her new anthology, which has been recognized as a finalist in the 2024 Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards. This collection, with its themes of journey, transformation, and the often-unseen paths to self-discovery, felt like a poetic invitation to explore the human experience—all the more intriguing in today’s fast-paced world.
Each of the twenty-seven stories in Passageways presents a unique journey, filled with colorful characters who traverse unconventional and often unsettling routes toward their goals. From a man diving deep into the abyss of his beloved’s subconscious to save her—unearthing dark secrets along the way—to a teenager battling a demonic inheritance in the form of a horrifying blanket, Fox crafts narratives that linger in the mind long after the final word. One standout tale, In the Image of Evie, snuggles up to the very definition of life and identity, as a mother grapples with ethical questions regarding her family’s scientific pursuits, blurring the lines between love and morality.
Fox’s writing is nothing short of lyrical. Her prose flows like a river, transitioning effortlessly between light and dark, joy and sorrow. It’s the kind of writing that makes you pause, allowing you to savor the rich imagery and profound emotions. One reviewer captured this essence perfectly, saying, “Lisa Fox has a gift for conveying emotion with delicate, beautiful language.” I found myself rereading sentences, letting them wash over me again before continuing—there is so much depth packed into each page!
The pacing of the stories also deserves mention. While some are delightful jaunts, others draw you into a labyrinth of philosophical quandaries and emotional currents. Fox masterfully interweaves various speculative sub-genres—magical realism, gritty dystopias, even the whisper of horror—in a way that keeps the reader guessing, wrapped in each tale’s unique atmosphere. The narrative techniques used, particularly her ability to introduce readers to fully-realized characters in just a few pages, speaks volumes about her storytelling prowess.
As I turned the last page—a beautiful yet heart-wrenching farewell in A Time for Understanding—I couldn’t help but reflect on how each story invited me to confront my own passageways in life. The idea that the journey often transcends the destination resonated deeply. At a time when so many of us focus on goals and achievements, Fox invites readers to view the process itself as rich with meaning and insight.
This collection is a treasure chest, offering something for every lover of speculative fiction. If you find joy in exploring the edges of reality through layers of emotional truth, Passageways is destined to resonate with you. Whether you’re a long-time fan of short stories or simply curious about the realms of speculation, this anthology is more than worth your time—it might just help you illuminate your own passageways along the way.
In a world where journeys often feel rushed, Lisa Fox reminds us to pause, reflect, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride.