When a Robot Decides to Die and Other Stories by Francisco García González
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amazon.in Page
Out: November 15, 2021
This book isn't for everyone. There are two factors I believe a reader needs to be aware of going forward. First, shocking and taboo plot devices are used throughout; so, one needs to be mentally ready for bestiality, necrophilia, cannibalism, and enslavement. Second, while this is nominally science fiction, it's not nerd's sci-fi, but rather English Lit / Humanities major sci-fi. Which is to say, scientifically- / technologically-minded people are likely be occasionally distracted by thoughts like: "that's not how that would work," or "why did he use that word? It doesn't make sense in that context. Is it just because it sounded vaguely techy?"
For those who are still reading, the stories are more than just shock for shock's sake. They are thought-provoking, and the taboo topics both engage readers on a visceral level, but also engage readers on an intellectual level as symbolism. While it's far from great sci-fi, it's fine psych-fi (a subgenre that - like sci-fi - deals in speculative futures, but which focuses more on changes in human modes of interaction and ways of behaving - rather than on the effects of technological advances.) "The Year of the Pig" was probably my personal favorite. That story explores family dynamics, cultural proclivities, and personal psychology in a smart way.
If the opening paragraph didn't scare you away, you'll probably find some compelling stories in this collection.
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