To put it simply, this is the short story i’ve ever read. I went into this expecting a simple, comedic thinkpiece to keep me occupied for a bit. came out of it sobbing and reevaluating the path I’ve begun to choose for myself.
Beany has such an incredible and recognizable prose, he’s able to create characters that feel so human and worlds that feel so real. Weaving in relatable, almost sitcom like situations with deep existentialism and a futuristic world that would be impossible to imagine we’re it not for his writing, it creates a world that feels so unknown and familiar at the same time.
There’s such a deep, emotional complexity to Sols simplicity as a character, it’s impossible to not relate to their struggles and feel deeply for their losses and triumphs. Alexander and Euron were bursting with life, and all three of them had such a beautifully written dynamic with one another that felt more human than any friend group i’ve seen in short stories like these.
The commentary on advertising and capitalism didn’t feel like some sort of ham fisted, jokeresque take on how ‘we live in a society’. Much like the rest of the story, it was simple and complex at the same time; up-front and easy to see, yet it weaves itself into the world building so effortlessly, it’s not until the end that it truly, finally hits you like a mental punch to the gut.
Overall, this was one of the most amazing, harrowing, and thoughtful stories I’ve ever read. I feel like I’d need some time to think on it before even attempting a second read through, but I’m excited to go through it again, and I’m truly excited to read the rest of Beany’s work.
(P.S, if you ever manage to turn this into a physical book, I’d buy it.)