Winding Broomcorn: 03/21/09

Before I begin my review of "Winding Broomcorn" by Mario Milosevic, the Hugo nominations have been announced. FSF has a number of entries but the one that has me most excited is Gordon Van Gelder's nomination in the "Best Editor, Short Form" category. The magazine and the forum wouldn't be the same without his hard work and sense of humor. Congratulations! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

"Winding Broomcorn" is Mario Milosevic's second story in the magazine. The first one, "Dead Letters" was published 30 years ago. This very short story delighted me and reminded me of Margarettown by Gabrielle Zevin. I think it's my favorite of the February issue so far.

In it, a man who specializes in handmade brooms is approached by a witch who needs a broom made a certain way for an unspoken reason. He nods knowingly, remember a woman he loved and has lost and makes the broom to her specification. In turn he is invited to a gathering where he is allowed one last change to say goodbye to his lost love.

I hope I don't have to wait another 30 years for another of Milosevic's stories to appear in F&SF.

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