The Year's Best Science Fiction 23 (2005)
"The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Third Annual Collection", edited by Gardner Dozois, offers another fantastic selection of stories from some of the most creative voices in science fiction of the mid-2000s. Known for his ability to curate stories that capture both cutting-edge ideas and timeless questions about humanity, Dozois presents stories that explore diverse settings, technologies, and the complexities of future societies.
Here are a few standout stories in the anthology:
"Second Person, Present Tense" by Daryl Gregory This intriguing story explores consciousness, identity, and memory through the lens of a girl who awakens after a drug overdose with her memories wiped, essentially becoming a "new person." Gregory examines the philosophical implications of selfhood and identity in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
"Little Faces" by Vonda N. McIntyre McIntyre’s unique story presents an alien culture where individuals can "merge" to create new beings, raising fascinating questions about family, relationships, and individuality. Her world-building is detailed and imaginative, making this story a standout exploration of non-human cultures.
"The Policeman’s Daughter" by Wil McCarthy Set in a future society where technology has enabled a form of immortality, this story tackles issues of law, morality, and the consequences of near-perfect technology. McCarthy’s exploration of a world where death is no longer an obstacle but moral ambiguity is amplified makes for a compelling read.
"The King of Where-I-Go" by Howard Waldrop Waldrop brings a nostalgic yet innovative touch to this time-travel story set during the Cold War. His mix of history and speculative fiction, along with his focus on character and atmosphere, creates a haunting exploration of loss, fate, and the passage of time.
"Angel of Light" by Joe Haldeman Known for his powerful storytelling, Haldeman writes a suspenseful story about war, technology, and the ways propaganda shapes society. The narrative is intense and well-paced, capturing Haldeman’s recurring themes of the human cost of war and the ethical dilemmas of advanced weaponry.
"I, Row-Boat" by Cory Doctorow A playful yet philosophical piece, this story features a self-aware robot navigating a post-human world. Doctorow uses humor and wit to explore themes of free will, morality, and the implications of artificial intelligence on society and identity.
"The Djinn’s Wife" by Ian McDonald Set in a near-future India, McDonald’s story follows a romance between a human woman and an AI "djinn." His richly textured setting and exploration of culture, love, and technology showcase the ways in which the future could interact with deeply rooted traditions.
I would highly recommend "The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Third Annual Collection". The anthology is ideal for readers looking for a broad range of well-crafted, intelligent, and imaginative science fiction. Each story brings a unique perspective on the future, often shedding light on current societal issues through speculative lenses. Dozois’ selection includes hard sci-fi, philosophical musings, and explorations of alien societies, giving the collection a well-rounded appeal. This volume is a testament to why The Year’s Best Science Fiction series is often seen as a gold standard in science fiction anthologies.