Seasons in Flight

by Brian W. Aldiss

The scope and intensity of Aldiss' imagination is once again revealed in this collection of powerful and evocative stories in which he explores central issues by contemplating the personal problems experienced by ordinary people - a fisherman who crosses a lake that divides two villages and thereby challenges the taboos which separate him from the girl he loves; a young prince whose attempts to liberate his slaves fails because of his failure to understand human nature. The austere conclusions Aldiss draws are counterbalanced by a spark of optimism and humour and by a sense of survival.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Stories, Fantasy

157 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Pseudonyms: Jael Cracken, Peter Pica, John Runciman, C.C. Shackleton, Arch Mendicant, & "Doc" Peristyle.

Brian Wilson Aldiss was one of the most important voices in science fiction writing today. He wrote his first novel while working as a bookseller in Oxford. Shortly afterwards he wrote his first work of science fiction and soon gained international recognition. Adored for his innovative literary techniques, evocative plots and irresistible characters, he became a Grand Master of Science Fiction in 1999.
Brian Aldiss died on August 19, 2017, just after celebrating his 92nd birthday with his family and closest friends.

Brian W. Aldiss Group on Good Reads

Reviews

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as good a collection of Aldiss short stories as any I have read. Yes, it's less experimental than The Moment of Eclipse or Last Orders but I found it to be poignant, enthralling and often quietly profound.

Many of these stories aren't science fiction or fantasy but have a fabular quality nonetheless. The flow of time is a theme that constantly occupies the characters in these tales: change, whether for the better or worse, personal development or decay, the transience of human schemes.

Among all the stories, two stand out for me. 'The Girl Who Sang', the longest story in this book, is a wonderful adventure, a mini-epic, beautifully written.

As for the other masterpiece, 'The O in José' is neither a fantasy nor a realistic piece but exists in a genre of its own. It is philosophical and cosmic but also grounded, and it has an unforced twist ending that is gentle and powerful at the same time. I regard it as an example of a "perfect" story. In other words I don't see how it could be improved.

[Anthony Faber · Rating 5 out of 5]

short stories from the 60s to the mid 80s. Decent stuff.

[Scott Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good collection of fantasy & science fiction stories from Britain's most reliable genre author.