Springy Story Review: The Ache of Home by Maurice Broaddus

In which, I take notes about a story which is likely to spring to mind later and make me wonder, "Where did I read that?"...

Why it springs to mind: Food justice in speculative fiction! Oh, yeah! Strong emotion and stand out quotes.
Where read: Uncanny Magazine, space unicorns, FTW!
Summary: A woman with a magic power, a connection to the Green Space, encounters the fallen god Famine, an unwanted presence in her neighborhood.
Memorable: It's a speculative fiction story that tackles gentrification and food deserts.
Quotable:

“...we all get trapped in stories others believe about us. I just want the chance to re-write our story.”

"...you think our desert is just about bad food. For us, this desert is about the lack of power to decide what we want to eat.”

"...the life of the fruit unfolded in her mind like a small child’s whisper. Its care, its transport, its treatment, she knew its story."

“No offense, but we’re not interested in your legacy. We’re more interested in sustainability.”

Personal connection: I was hooked by the opening scene of a woman trying to dodge unwanted attention on her way home and the fantasy element of the Green Space. It also reminded me of a wonderful nonprofit, Food Empowerment Project! Whoop! Whoop!
About the author: Maurice Broaddus writes urban fantasy and is co-editor of Dark Faith and People of Colo(ur)r Destroy Horror. He's currently a host on the super helpful Writing Excuses podcast. Listen to episode 13.10: Handling a Large Cast.
Pairs well with: Read this info about food deserts from FoodisPower.org.

Comments

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