First published 2005
Maureen F. McHugh presents a collection of science fiction stories that examine the complexities of maternal relationships and family dynamics. The tales span different futures and alternate realities, where mothers navigate extraordinary circumstances while grappling with universal concerns about protecting and nurturing their children. Characters face difficult choices as they balance personal desires against family obligations. Some stories feature mothers in dystopian societies making sacrifices to ensure their children's survival. Others explore how technology and social change reshape traditional family structures. Throughout the collection, McHugh focuses on the emotional bonds between parents and children, revealing how these connections endure even when tested by extreme situations. The stories capture the fierce protective instincts of mothers while acknowledging the ambivalent feelings that parenthood can bring.
Genres: short-stories, family, science-fiction, literary-fiction
Vibes: dark, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-dynamics, sacrifice
237 pages · Hardcover · Small Beer Press