Book Review: "Dangerous Dimensions" ed. by Henry Bartholomew
5/5 - Surprisingly better than I remember...
Full Title: Dangerous Dimensions: Mind-bending Tales of the Mathematical Weird edited by Henry Bartholomew
Whether the story of Gottfried Plattner is to be credited or not, is a pretty question in the value of evidence. On the one hand, we have seven witnesses—to be perfectly exact, we have six and a half pairs of eyes, and one undeniable fact; and on the other we have—what is it?—prejudice, common sense, the inertia of opinion. Never were there seven more honest-seeming witnesses; never was there a more undeniable fact than the inversion of Gottfried Plattner’s anatomical structure, and—never was there a more preposterous story than the one they have to tell!
- The Plattner Story by H.G Wells
I have read numerous books from the series entitled: The British Library Tales of the Weird and I have actually encountered this one twice. The reason I am reading it again is because now I am getting back into the Tales of the Weird series, I would like to refresh my memory on the books I have read before. I think that the first ever book from the series I read must have been Evil Roots and that was probably because I was writing some botanical based horror story myself and wanted to research. Am I interested in fourth dimensions and space horrors? No. Does that mean I won't read this book more than once? Also no. Dangerous Dimensions is delightfully strange and focuses more on possibility than actual maths and science. From authors like HG Wells, this book engrosses the reader in some of the most mind-bending, light-shifting, number-crunching horrors of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The H.G Wells story that is used to open the anthology is possibly the best way to draw the reader in that I can think of in a Sci-Fi/Horror collection. It is called The Plattner Story and is about a man who went 'missing' for about nine days. It tells us of the other world of the dead and how he saw strange and mystifying things. One of these strange and mystifying things included human heads without bodies, floating about like lost souls and, looking on to someone's death whilst also watching as a shadowy hand comes out of nowhere. An odd story with all the horrors and terrors that HG Wells usually brings to us, this narrative explores a whole new dimension whilst keeping us looking on to our own.
Another story that is quite strong in this anthology is Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman's The Hall Bedroom. Complete with uncertainties and told in a strange frame story/epistolary format, this narrative makes for something a little bit different than your usual storytelling style. About a woman who loses most of her money and so starts a boarding house, she tells the story of a man who moved in and started writing a diary. He then tells the story of the mystery of the hall bedroom and whether it really exists. The problem is that he actually lives in it. It is a weird mystery of dimensions and difficulties as he goes from fear to fear and Freeman makes it extra odd as we see that the landlady has the diary enough to tell the story - making us question what really happened here. A lapse of reliability, a moment of terror and numbers, figures etc. hidden behind a painting all make for a very 19th Century Sci-Fi/Horror.
In conclusion, I thought that this anthology was actually quite good regardless of how much I try to steer myself away from science fiction. It has a quality which bases itself more in horror, where it gets whatever we have in this world, shows us some weird and paranormal possibility and then uses it to terrify us. I find that simply the most 19th century thing I can think of. I do, however have to admit that Sci-Fi loses its perceptions of horror the more it moves into the 20th century, but by then I have already lost interest. Jorges Luis Borges' The Library of Babel was a nice weird addition to the anthology without being Sci-Fi filled with tropes and trends, which is (let's admit it) what most 20th century Sci-Fi is.
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Book Review: "Sunless Solstice" ed. by Lucy Evans and Tanya Kirk
Full Title: Sunless Solstice: Strange Christmas Tales for the Longest Nights edited by Lucy Evans and Tanya Kirk Of course I knew there was a story about the blue tapestry room. Everyone knew that, though the old Laird had given strict orders that the subject should not be discussed among the servants, and always discouraged any allusion to it on the part of his family and guests. But there is a strange fascination about everything connected with the supernatural, and orders or no orders, people, whether gentle or simple, will try to gratify their curiosity - The Blue Room by Lettice Galbraith
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
George Saunders Serves a Heavy Helping of Virtue in a New Novel
The celebrated author returns with a story that challenges morality, empathy, and modern life George Saunders has long been known for fiction that blends humor, heartbreak, and moral complexity. In his latest novel, he once again invites readers into a world where good intentions clash with harsh realities. This time, however, Saunders leans even more heavily into questions of virtue, responsibility, and what it truly means to be a good person in a deeply flawed society. The novel does not offer easy answers. Instead, it asks readers to sit with discomfort, to examine their own values, and to consider how kindness and cruelty often exist side by side. A Writer Obsessed With Moral Questions Saunders has built his career on stories that explore ethical tension. His characters are often ordinary people trapped in systems they barely understand—workplaces, institutions, or social expectations that reward obedience over compassion. In this new novel, Saunders continues that tradition. The story centers on characters who want to do the right thing but struggle with fear, self-interest, and moral confusion. Their actions raise difficult questions: Is virtue still meaningful when it comes at a personal cost? Can good intentions excuse harmful outcomes? How much responsibility do individuals have within broken systems? These themes feel especially relevant in today’s world, where moral certainty is often loud, but moral action is complicated. Virtue as Burden, Not Decoration Unlike stories that present goodness as heroic or glamorous, Saunders treats virtue as heavy and demanding. Being ethical in his fictional world is not a badge of honor—it is a burden that requires sacrifice. Characters face choices where every option carries consequences. Helping one person may harm another. Speaking the truth may lead to punishment rather than praise. Saunders does not romanticize moral courage; he shows how exhausting it can be. This approach makes the novel feel honest. It reflects real life, where doing the right thing is rarely clear and often uncomfortable. A Familiar but Evolving Style Fans of Saunders will recognize his signature style: Dark humor that exposes absurdity Compassionate narration, even toward deeply flawed characters Sharp social observation However, the novel also shows growth. The tone is more reflective and patient than some of his earlier work. While moments of satire remain, they are balanced by quiet scenes of emotional weight. Saunders allows the story to breathe, giving readers time to understand his characters rather than judging them too quickly. Characters Caught Between Fear and Empathy At the heart of the novel are characters who feel deeply but act imperfectly. They care about fairness, dignity, and kindness, yet they are constrained by fear—fear of losing status, security, or belonging. Saunders excels at showing internal conflict. Readers see characters justify their choices, doubt themselves, and sometimes recognize their failures too late. These moments are painful but relatable. Rather than presenting heroes and villains, the novel suggests that most people exist somewhere in between. Social Commentary Without Preaching One of Saunders’ greatest strengths is his ability to critique society without turning the novel into a lecture. The story touches on themes such as: Institutional power Moral compromise in professional life The cost of silence The limits of personal goodness in systemic injustice Yet the message emerges naturally through character decisions and consequences. Saunders trusts readers to draw their own conclusions. This restraint makes the novel more powerful. Instead of telling readers what to think, it encourages them to reflect. Why This Novel Matters Now In an era defined by strong opinions and moral signaling, Saunders offers something different: moral humility. His novel suggests that virtue is not about being seen as good, but about struggling honestly with difficult choices. The story resonates in a world where people are often quick to judge others while ignoring the pressures that shape behavior. Saunders reminds readers that empathy is not weakness—it is a necessary tool for understanding complexity. Critical Reception and Reader Response Early reactions suggest that readers see this novel as a mature and thoughtful addition to Saunders’ body of work. Some praise its emotional depth, while others note that its focus on virtue can feel intense or demanding. That reaction seems intentional. This is not a novel meant to entertain lightly. It asks readers to slow down, to feel unease, and to consider uncomfortable truths. A Novel That Lingers Long after the final page, the questions raised by the novel remain. Readers may find themselves rethinking past decisions or reconsidering what moral courage looks like in everyday life. Saunders does not offer redemption wrapped in certainty. Instead, he offers understanding, compassion, and the reminder that striving for goodness—even imperfectly—still matters. Conclusion With his new novel, George Saunders delivers a powerful meditation on virtue, one that feels both timely and timeless. By focusing on flawed individuals navigating impossible choices, he captures the reality of moral life in the modern world. This is a book that challenges readers without condemning them, that exposes weakness while honoring effort. In serving a heavy helping of virtue, Saunders reminds us that goodness is not simple—but it is worth struggling for.
By Fiaz Ahmed a day ago in Geeks
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