We Travel the Spaceways by Victor LaValle
A Review By: AT
Otherworldly interference in real-world New York City? Or delusions? For the answer, follow two loving strangers in an astonishing short story of faith and hope by a World Fantasy Award winner.
Grimace is a homeless man on a holy mission to free Black Americans from emotional slavery. His empty soda cans told him as much. Then he meets Kim, a transgender runaway who joins Grimace on his heroic quest. Is Grimace receiving aluminum missives from the gods, or is he a madman? Kim will find out soon enough on a strange journey they’ve been destined to share.
Victor LaValle’s We Travel the Spaceways is part of Black Stars, a multi-dimensional collection of speculative fiction from Black authors. Each story is a world much like our own. Read or listen to them in a single sitting.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2021
An installment in a Series? Yes
Narrator (s): Brian Tyree Henry
Clocking in at a little over one hour, this story was fulfilling, riveting, and expertly written. Our homeless hero/antihero is on a dangerous and confusing mission, led by unusual guides as he tries to survive on the streets of his city. Along the way, he meets his unique and intriguing heroine, and the story continues to evolve with elements growing clearer with each sentence.
I LOVED the innovation of this story! It is peculiar, but at the same time, eye-opening. And the narration? EXCELLENT! I'd love to listen to more of this author's and this narrator's work. This is a must listen! My only complaint is I needed more!
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? None
