The Gypsy's Boy 02/09/11

"The Gypsy's Boy" by Lokiko Hall is the story of a boy who is traded to a gypsy for a horse. The trade ended up poorly for both parties: the horse died and the boy went blind. So the boy is taken in by an old woman in the gypsy camp and trained to do chores.

Everything is fine until the old woman dies. Then the, now blind man, is left on his own. But his other senses have grown stronger and he can hear things others can not, including the voice of a wind spirit.

The romance that plays out in the second half of the book reminds me quite favorably of Stardust by Neil Gaiman. The wind is shocked to be heard by anyone human and is unwilling to trust her heart to him, much as Yvaine is angry at and mistrustful of Tristran for most of Stardust. In both cases, though, things run their course and both pairs become unlikely couples. Both supernatural women are left alone in part because their very natures ultimately betray their hearts.

"The Gypsy's Boy" is another beautiful story from the May / June issue of Fantasy and Science Fiction. I would like to read more stories by Lokiko Hall.

Five stars

Comments (4)

Comment #1: Friday, February, 11, 2011 at 18:06:12

DJL

This sounds like a nice story to read. I'll have to see if I can find a back issue of Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine. :) Thanks for hopping by my blog, just hopping by yours too!

Comment #2: Monday, February 14, 2011 at 19:01:08

Pussreboots

Fantasy and Science Fiction sells back issues both in print and electronically via their site.

Comment #3: Saturday, February, 12, 2011 at 14:46:56

Amanda

Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm glad I saw your reviews, it is very interesting and it is the first time I have heard of Fantasy and Science Fiction publication.

Comment #4: Monday, February 14, 2011 at 19:01:08

Pussreboots

FSF publishes a nice range of fantasy and science fiction stories. You can learn more about them at their site.