I love the variety of themes and worlds explored in the Phoenix Fiction Writers anthology for 2021. From the war-torn landscapes and battle-scarred heroes of E.B. Dawson’s brilliant “Daughter”, to the beautiful fairy-tale atmosphere of Olivia Cornwell’s excellent “Clockwork Toymaker”, Timely has something for every reader of fantasy and science fiction. The whole anthology is wonderful—yes, including the story I contributed. I must admit that I am quite proud of it. In this review, however, I want to focus on the final entry in the book, “Little Lost Heart, Sing” by Nate Philbrick.
The question one asks when approaching a Nate Philbrick story is not whether it will make you cry, but how will it make you cry. That sounds like I’m describing a Pixar movie, but while I sometimes find fault with Pixar for wantonly manipulating the emotions of its audience, that’s not the case with Nate’s work. He’s exceptionally good at using the emotional core of a story to drive home the story’s central theme in a logical, meaningful way. “Little Lost Heart Sing” is no exception.
I won’t reveal very much about the plot, since it’s best if you experience it fully for yourself…this is the kind of story which is meant to be experienced, not just read. The central characters are parents grieving the loss of their daughter against the backdrop of a dangerous, mysterious forest. All the characterization is superb; you will be left feeling as if you know these people personally even though you won’t be with them for very long. There’s some deep and fascinating lore at play, but it’s not overwhelming, even in the context of a short story. The fantasy elements are really only one part of a complete tapestry. Ultimately, this is a story about grief and loss, and how we continue living in the aftermath of pain. It’s not an easy subject to tackle in fiction, but Nate Philbrick handles it with great skill and sensitivity. I was left feeling uplifted and encouraged by “Little Lost Heart Sing” despite its darker undertones. Given its emphasis on hope and renewal, it’s really the perfect story with which to conclude this anthology—not with a mere ending, but with a new beginning.
I highly recommend both “Little Lost Heart, Sing” and the entire Timely anthology to all lovers of speculative fiction. There are so many exciting, inspiring, and heartwarming experiences to be enjoyed within these pages.
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