#354 Alphinland- Margaret Atwood
Constance is a successful writer of a speculative fiction
series called Alphinland. Despite its success, like with many works of fantasy, the
literary intelligencia, including her husband and former boyfriend, look down
on such writing, calling it sub-literary fiction.
“It’s astonishing how folks can get so worked up over
something that doesn’t exist.”
Ewan, her husband has recently died and she, getting older
and less able to live on her own, has yet to let him go. She hears his voice
speak to her, guide her and comfort her as she lives her life.
“…his voice, when it turns up, is firm and cheerful. A
striding voice, showing the way. An extended finger, pointing. Go here, buy
this, do that! A slightly mocking voice, teasing, making light: that was often
his manner towards her before he became ill.”
She has created “memory palaces” a kind of mnemonic device,
keeping her memories locked up in both her house and the fictitious Alphinland.
Once those two memory banks open up, and borders are crossed, Constance goes
searching for her next adventure.
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