Pattern

by Fredric Brown

Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction

ebook

About the author

Fredric Brown was an American science fiction and mystery writer. He was one of the boldest early writers in genre fiction in his use of narrative experimentation. While never in the front rank of popularity in his lifetime, Brown has developed a considerable cult following in the almost half century since he last wrote. His works have been periodically reprinted and he has a worldwide fan base, most notably in the U.S. and Europe, and especially in France, where there have been several recent movie adaptations of his work. He also remains popular in Japan.

Never financially secure, Brown - like many other pulp writers - often wrote at a furious pace in order to pay bills. This accounts, at least in part, for the uneven quality of his work. A newspaperman by profession, Brown was only able to devote 14 years of his life as a full-time fiction writer. Brown was also a heavy drinker, and this at times doubtless affected his productivity. A cultured man and omnivorous reader whose interests ranged far beyond those of most pulp writers, Brown had a lifelong interest in the flute, chess, poker, and the works of Lewis Carroll. Brown married twice and was the father of two sons.

Reviews

[Zen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Subtle yet Fiercely Biting little story of an Alien Invasion operates on so many levels it's Chilling and Scarey.

"Why is everyone worrying so?" sniffed Miss Macy, "They're not doing us any harm are they?"

The Simplicity of it's telling belies the True Horror of the story hiding in plain sight.

"They paid no attention to us Humans at all. That's proof they don't mean us any harm."

The Holocaust, Colonialism, the Rape of Mother Nature. Pick your Poisen.

"Making clouds. Maybe that's how they have fun."

Exterminate All the Brutes!

[Glen Engel-Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as effective as some of Brown’s other flash pieces, basically because it requires the reader to suspect disbelief about the physical nature of the aliens depicted. You wouldn’t think that scientific plausibility would be necessary for a flash piece with a little twist ending, but when setting up any kind of joke you need to have the listener/reader believe what you’re telling them before you land the zinger.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 1 to 1 1/2 page short story was first published in Angels and Spaceships in September 1954. It was then re-printed in Microcosmic Tales in September 1980--as well as in some
other books.

The reason I think that such a short, short story is even worth thinking and talking
about is that I think that it really is a superb story even though it is so short. I also
greatly admire Fredric Brown's writing in general.

I really think this is one of the 10 best SF short stories I have ever read in my life--and
I have read a lot.