McDonald’s collection of stories, most of which are interrelated in one way or another, defy simple description. “Improbable” is a good word, but does not fully convey the sense of wonder, hope, and simple humanity with which the collection as a whole leaves the reader. Set in a world much like our own, the stories weave together the lives and experiences of a motley cast of characters, Diana Comet herself foremost among them. Many of the characters, Diana Comet included, are gay or transgender in a world not much more friendly to such than our own, and struggling to find love and acceptance. In various stories, other improbable elements—from talking statuary longing for release to ghost stories come horribly to life to alien invaders seeking to control humanity’s morality—make themselves known, and always, McDonald’s vibrant protagonists fight to make things right. ( )

This is a collection of short stories based loosely on recent history, and loosely set within a universe not quite our own. It's peopled with fascinating, unusual characters who do not fit standard gender roles. They're heroes and heroines who challenge average perceptions of romance and even the definition of a hero.

I could go on and on about how unique and surprising they are, but really the strength in these stories is the same as for any good tale: there's depth and heart, the characters are human and they want things intensely. Some of the stories are inevitably stronger than others, but as a whole collection it works very well, it's coherent, and it left me smiling and feeling like I wanted to spend more time with the characters. ( )

The premise: ganked from the back cover: A writer of whimsy and passion, Sandra McDonald has collected her most evocative short fiction to offer readers in Diana Comet and Other Improbable Stories. A beautiful adventuress from the ancient city of New Dalli sets off to reclaim her missing lover. What secrets does she hide beneath her silk skirts? A gay cowboy flees the Great War in search of true love and the elusive undead poet Whit Waltman, but at what cost? A talking statue sends an abused boy spinning through a great metropolis, dodging pirates and search for a home. On these quests, you will meet macho firefighters, tiny fairies, collapsible musicians, lady devils and vengeful sea witches. These are stories to stir the heart and imagination.

My Rating

Must Have: How can you say no to a collection that explores gender issues, sexuality issues, racism, and so much more? McDonald's book is a cross between Catherynne M. Valente's themes and Charles de Lint's world-building, which stories that really linger long after you're finished. While some are serious, some are whimsical, and all are unifying not just by themes, but by setting and characters. The stand-outs for me were "Diana Comet and the Lovesick Cowboy," "The Goddess and Lieutenant Teague" (really loved this one), "The Fireman's Fairy" (this is will make you sad), and "Kingdom Coming." I also loved the fake historical vibe to this collection, a kind of alternate history that isn't obviously alternate history, but rather a riff on our own. All in all, it's a great collection, and I'm thankful I got my hands on it. I really think this deserves to at LEAST make the Tiptree shortlist, because if it doesn't, I can't imagine what would.

Review style: I have few notes and a ton of sticky tabs all over this book. I want to talk about the unifying element to each of these stories, some of the themes the book touches on, as well as single out which stories were really powerful for me. No spoilers (save for a teeny-tiny one that's clearly marked), so if you're interested in the full review at my LJ, just click the link below. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. :)

REVIEW: Sandra McDonald's DIANA COMET AND OTHER IMPROBABLE STORIES

Happy Reading! ( )

First of all Diana Comet and her friends are indeed of the same persuasion of Walt Whitman, but it doesn’t matter really much in the feeling of the novel, if not maybe, since they have a different perspective on life, probably they fight more than other for happiness. They are all love story, but of all shades of love: partner to partner, parents to son (even if not genetically bonded), friend to friend and so on.

It’s an alternative universe, Massosoit, a fantasy version of a beginning of the XX century Massachusetts (more or less 1938). Past and future are mixed, antique attractions like the New Liberty wooden pier meld with the imaginary of hot and macho firemen. Pirates and cowboys are on the good side, like in your children story. Indeed this collection of short stories, but all linked together like in a chain, have the feeling of those stories you can read just before sleeping, one per night, like a lullaby to sweet dreams.

There are two continuous story that I followed with interest: of course that of Diana Comet and her lover, and future husband, James; it’s a nice love story, but indeed poor James is more or less an ornament on pretty Diana; Diana is strong and independent, but nevertheless she loves James with all her own. I can really see a statuesque Diana, at maybe 60 or 70, dragging her husband James to a social party, retelling her past adventures, while James stands by her, silent and strong, with a loving smile on his face.

Then there is Cubby, a little orphan who finds shelter in the body of Graybeard, a wooden ornament of an amusement park on a pier. Graybeard lusts for adventure and Cubby is his means to it; he sends Cubby towards the big unknown, saving regretting losing the only friend he had. But an adult Cubby doesn’t forget his past friend, and he will come back searching for him. That of Graybeard is a sad story, but there is an open to happiness also for him.

Among them, the story of former officer and now hired cowboy Landan, fireman Steven and his fairy mascot Bob, Lieutenant Teague and her lover Lyss… some of them have an happily ever after, most of them are left to the feel of the reader, all of them are very different way to live and love.

At the end of each story, the author leaves to the reader little bit of trivia, some of them are true, some other are fantasy, some are totally unnecessary, and right for that even more interesting and funny. The author’s notes are a whole story themselves, and they made me want to leave the book and open the encyclopaedia, to read more about them, something I always did when I was very young and thirsty of knowledge. When it happens again now, it’s the symptom that the book I’m reading is switching on something in my brain.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1590210948/?tag=elimyrevandra-20