The Entropy of Loss by Stewart Hotston

(NewCon Press, 2022)

Reviewed by John Dodd

It’s something humans don’t do, talking about death, because merely the discussion of it might invite it into our midst, and if we’re being honest, none of us really has a hankering to meet it. It’s not that we have a fear of death, it’s just that no one understands it, not really, and so all we can do is talk about the part leading up to it, and the feelings that that gives us.

The Entropy of Loss is the story of Sarah and Rhona. Rhona is dying and Sarah doesn’t really want to live without her, but the treacherous nature of being alive has caused her to have an affair with Akshai, a co-worker, while Rhona is still alive. This has led to Sarah questioning if she is a good person, if she’s doing what she’s doing because she’s trying to deal with her feelings over Rhona, or if she’s just messed up by everything that’s occurring.

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Review from BSFA Review 19 - Download your copy here.