I could simply state what I liked about the short story in about a third of the words it took Singer to write it. I could gush over Nguyen’s art and how it is perfect for almost every story their art has ever graced. I could write paragraphs about themes and metaphors and the like.
I could probably write a review persuading you to read it. How after you read it the first time, to read it again at a later date. Or an earlier one. I mostly just want other people who aren’t me to read it.
It is the story of Sir Alain, who went to slay a witch and was changed into a woman after the fight. Sir Alain, now Sir Elaine, bears it with grace. Others, more than Sir Alain, are heartbroken for the knight.The citizens of Aquitaine (lovely Aquitaine!) see the so-called curse as a burden to be pitied.
“Ah, how remarkable, despite the loss.”
But they miss the strength in the act. To finally be yourself and choose to do the impossible, day after day.
It is a trans story.
A story in which the hero gets the ending they want, even if others don’t see it that way.
“Even so…..you remain.”
Simply put, it is a fairytale about finding yourself. So there is no need to be sad for Sir Elaine, who, after years of doing heroic deeds for others, got exactly what she desired for herself.
Reading Rites 