Top 20Internet Top 100 Short Stories Novellas, NovelettesHomeHugosNebulas P.K. Dick Locus Grand MastersNewbery

The Falling Woman

Pat Murphy
Nebula 1987

This story could easily fall outside the realm of science fiction. It would be easy to make a case for classifying it as an historical novel or more accurately anthropological, psychology-fiction. Putting it in a science fiction category implies an interpretation of events inconclusive in the book. Also one that over-simplifies the possibilities and minimizes the human struggle with sanity.

It's a story of alienation, loneliness, suffering, and madness. Though dark and verging on depressing, it's also a testament to nobility in the human spirit, love, and strength. More dramatically so if you interpret the ancient Mayan visitors as hallucinations instead of ghosts.

One of the most common traits found in people who were adopted is a love for science fiction and fantasy. Though not adopted, the main characters here deal mainly with the adoption syndrome issues ­ not belonging, not trusting, not understanding, not accepting or forgiving their parents (and conversely these issues in relation to children). It's about the longing to be accepted and loved for exactly who and what we are. It's about unrequited unconditional love. The inner journey here is healing the parent-child bond and it's heart-warming to follow the inner progress as the less important external events unfold.

Since I expect that a high proportion of those reading this review fit in the adopted-adoptee category or at least the "parental-impaired", I feel confident recommending The Falling Woman as both entertainment and therapy.

HomeHugosNebulas P.K. DickLocus Grand MastersNewberyTop 20 Internet Top 100Short StoriesNovellas, Novelettes