Mark Twain famously said that reality can be stranger than fiction because fiction is bound by possibilities. Ryan Habermeyer, the author of the award-winning story collection The Science of Lost Futures, seems to have taken this as a personal challenge. Instead of sticking to realistic scenarios, Habermeyer pushes the boundaries of what we can accept.
Mixing fantasy satire with sci-fi elements, the stories in this collection may seem completely absurd at first glance. A gigantic foot washes up near a small town; a woman’s womb falls out and moves around the house; a mother thinks she’s a snow leopard due to a rare disease; a boy adopts a pet Nazi. These premises go beyond the mundane, offering emotionally provocative contrasts rather than mere absurdity.
One particular story that stands out is the one from which the book’s title is derived. In “A Genealogical Approach to My Father’s Ass,” Habermeyer humorously traces his family’s history starting with the 1700s, where an ancestor, Olaf Haber, was known for eating raw human buttocks. The narrative shifts from comedic to poignant as Habermeyer reflects on his father’s mortality and the intimate moments shared with him.
Habermeyer’s expertise in fairy tales shines through in his work. While the stories in The Science of Lost Futures are presented as science fiction, they share a common thread with traditional fairy tales in their use of fantastical elements to mirror deep-seated fears and dreams.
Beyond genre blending, the storytelling in these tales is inventive and thought-provoking. Rather than being plot-driven, the narratives focus on exploring ideas through absurd situations that challenge the characters’ attempts to apply logic. Themes of family, belief, and tragedy emerge as characters navigate through illogical circumstances, ultimately leading to reflections on the enigmatic nature of love.
In one story, “Everything You Wanted To Know About Astrophysics But Were Too Afraid To Ask,” a man grapples with his love for a woman turning into a black hole. This unconventional relationship questions the common tropes of love stories, prompting contemplation on the inevitable solitude imposed by death and the nature of romance.
In “The Fertile Yellow,” superstition clashes with science as a couple seeks to revive their relationship and conceive a child. The story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the limitations of intellectual and mystical approaches to understanding love, culminating in a raw portrayal of the struggles and uncertainties faced by the characters.
Through his quirky and heartfelt tales, Habermeyer skillfully blends humor and introspection to evoke a range of emotions in his readers. While his narratives may seem outlandish, they resonate with a genuine exploration of human experiences and emotions, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on those who venture into his fantastical worlds.
