Review: The Halfling and Other Stories by Leigh Brackett

Synopsis: A collection of Science Fiction stories written by Leigh Brackett, collected from popular stories magazine of the late 60s, early 70s. There are Eight Stories total.

Review: Overall, this is an interesting collection of science-fiction tales. Several have a fantasy tone (think, Conan the Barbarian) where the SpaceMan comes to the Primitive Tribes, and most take place on other planets, mostly in our solar system. These stories obviously pre-date the current science which understands there is no life and no way for humans to exist on most of these planets.

My big qualm with the stories is the role of women. All the stories take place from the male viewpoint. Women are either the Villain (Halfling, Venus), the Helper (Citadel, Venus, Gone Forever), or Damsel/Mother (Dancing Girl, Rainbow, Truants). None are the center of the quest or the Doer of Actions. Yes, some are brave and smart, in the case of the Helper, the Hero could not accomplish his Quest without her, but still, the women seem to be always the same - help the hero, sacrifice for the hero, give all for the hero. They are often beautiful and easily available for the hero's pleasure. To my modern mind, this was repugnant. However, in 1973, the active role (rescuing the hero, braving dangers) probably seemed refreshing. Forty-Plus Years makes a huge difference in perception.

Note: In All the Colors of the Rainbow, several characters use the word nigger. This is not used in a positive context, meaning, it is the antagonist who use the phrase, and it is shown to be negative word. In addition, the story centers on racism, which is also shown as a negative ideology. The use of the word is central to the story and not used for shock value.

Bookmarks: Overall: 3 of 5

The Halfling: 2/5
The Dancing Girl of Ganymede: 2.5/5
The Citadel of Lost Ages:  2/5
All the Colors of the Rainbow: 4/5
The Shadows: 3.5/5
Enchantress of Venus: 3/5
The Lake of Gone Forever: 3/5
*The Truants: 2/5

*This story is not included the table of contents or the acknowledgements.

Awards: None

ISBN: N/A
Year Published: 1973
Date Finished: 1-5-2018
Pages: 351