Summer 2019 (Hugo 2019 Catch-Up);

"We Who Live in The Heart by Kelly Robson

Another of the pieces set in the same world of 2019 Hugo Nominee Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach, I had to track it down when my search for news about the sequel turned up information on two other pieces already written in that world, as well.

While the lack of clarity continues from the novella to this short story, this is a very different type of story as well. We're still in the world where most of everyone is living underground in overpopulated areas, while only small groups are coming up to be part of trying to reclaim the world. Where the novella was a time travel story, this is a voyage one, though instead of it being on a ship it is inside a "whale" (that isn't a whale, but is a creature, and I am still entirely uncertain how to envision it -- but I am not uncertain that there's a lot to be dealt with in the constant restriction of the whales lives, bodies, and reproductive removal).

While I did not get why anyone fell into huge contention and adoption of Jane, I did end up feeling a lot for our main character duo, the girl who longed for freedom and the hardened captain who is all chip-on-the-shoulder who smashed headfirst unexpectedly into love. I felt so much heartbreak by the time we got to the seminal line which informs the title, and so I almost really want this one to be a 3.5 up from my solid 3 on the novella. ( )