L'Esprit de L'Escalier

For the concept, see L'esprit de l'escalier.

"L'Esprit de L'Escalier" is a 2021 fantasy short story by Catherynne M. Valente, retelling the story of Orpheus and Eurydice in a modern setting. It was first published on Tor.com.

Synopsis

Months ago, Orpheus successfully rescued Eurydice from the underworld, but despite his efforts, she is still depressed — and a zombie — and their relationship is failing.

Reception

"L'Esprit de L'Escalier" was a finalist for the 2022 Hugo Award for Best Novelette[1] and the 2022 Locus Award for Best Novelette.[2]

Publishers Weekly called it "clever" and "challenging".[3]

References

  1. ^ 2022 Hugo Awards, at TheHugoAwards.org; retrieved March 4, 2023
  2. ^ Here Are the Finalists for the 2022 Locus Awards, by Vanessa Armstrong; at Tor.com; published May 11, 2022; retrieved March 4, 2023
  3. ^ The Best of Catherynne M. Valente, Vol. One, reviewed at Publishers Weekly; published February 7, 2023; retrieved March 4, 2023