20/40
12 Short Stories Foretelling Life in the Year 2040
A work of variety and experimentation, the short story collection 20/40 treats the near future with speculative fervor and inventive storytelling.
Steven Sarshik’s science fiction collection 20/40 glimpses into the near future with imagination, blending humor, speculation, and social commentary.
Set in 2040, the stories encompass a variety of scenarios. Some are earthbound; others work toward cosmic revelations. There are instances of political intrigue; there are debates about scripture and science too. Whimsical and experimental sketches mix with instances of deeper insight throughout.
In one entry, a poor young athlete rises to prominence, setting his sights on forming his own league in defiance of the NBA. The narrative captures both the thrill of competition and the courage required to challenge entrenched systems in its mix of satire with themes of personal empowerment. In another story, a scientist on a date reveals that he controls his own universe—a conceit that leads to a playful philosophical exchange regarding free will, agency, and ultimate responsibility. However, the tale concludes in an abrupt manner, its tantalizing premise left unresolved.
In another story, the Supreme Court is transformed into a surreal game show wherein judges and political figures serve as commentators and lawyers attempt to present their cases. The absurdity of the scenario is used to allude to, and critique, the rigidity and spectacle inherent in legal and political institutions. However, as the story stretches on, its satire wears thin.
The prose is straightforward, featuring clear if unembellished descriptions:
In the morning the sun came up, and he opened the window to let in the brisk air. The sky was a clear eggshell blue. He heard the sprinklers come on under the window …
Its lines are sometimes enlivened by strong comedic timing, though.
Much of the book is conversation driven, in particular where situational humor is involved. Instances of sexual innuendo and expletives appear, though they are most impactful in those stories that are grounded in social or institutional absurdities. The descriptions of action, from sports maneuvers to bizarre courtroom antics, prove to be more functional than evocative.
Despite its topical variety, this is a cohesive collection thanks to its throughlines in setting and tone. Each story focuses on an aspect of social or human aspiration in 2040, asking clear questions about power and ambition. The thought-provoking premises are well leavened, and insights on sports, science, and social institutions are sometimes memorable, though the stories that focus on playfulness and experimentation sometimes fall short of clear takeaways.
In the provocative speculative short story collection 20/40, absurd scenarios sometimes proffer real insights into a possible future that’s defined by people’s crass ambition, creativity, and personal follies.
Reviewed by
Brandon Pawlicki
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
