Distant Replay

Last updated
"Distant Replay"
Author Mike Resnick
Language English
Genre(s) Magic realism-slipstream
Published in Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine
Publication type Magazine
Publication dateApril/May 2007

"Distant Replay" is a magic realism/slipstream short story by American writer Mike Resnick, originally published in the April 2007 issue of the Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine . It was nominated for the 2008 Hugo Award for Best Short Story. [1]

Magical realism, magic realism, or marvelous realism is a style of fiction that paints a realistic view of the modern world while also adding magical elements. It is sometimes called fabulism, in reference to the conventions of fables, myths, and allegory. "Magical realism", perhaps the most common term, often refers to fiction and literature in particular, with magic or the supernatural presented in an otherwise real-world or mundane setting.

Short story Brief work of literature, usually written in narrative prose

A short story is a piece of prose fiction that typically can be read in one sitting and focuses on a self-contained incident or series of linked incidents, with the intent of evoking a "single effect" or mood, however there are many exceptions to this.

Mike Resnick American writer

Michael Diamond Resnick is an American science fiction writer under the name Mike Resnick. He was executive editor of Jim Baen's Universe.

Contents

Plot summary

The story follows Walter Silverman, a man who sees a young woman that looks exactly like his deceased wife. As he gets to know her he discovers that she has too many things in common for this to be a coincidence. He then comes up with a plan to help out her love life and manages to find his own Avatar for her to meet.

Avatar incarnation of anything, particularly of a deity in Hinduism

An avatar, a concept in Hinduism that means "descent", refers to the material appearance or incarnation of a deity on earth. The relative verb to "alight, to make one's appearance" is sometimes used to refer to any guru or revered human being.

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