Tessa Sermet, Assistant Professor of French at the University of California, recently co-edited “Continuum: French Science Fiction Short Stories,” a collection published by Ooligan Press. This anthology features a diverse range of newly translated French science fiction short stories, showcasing both classic and contemporary works for English-speaking readers to enjoy. The stories explore a variety of themes including simulated reality, speciesism, ecology, and transhumanism.
Sermet discussed the inspiration behind the project with me, noting that she and co-editor Annabelle Dolidon aimed to provide a more modern selection of stories from various authors, time periods, and topics. They recognized the lack of recent French science fiction translated into English and wanted to fill this gap in the market. As an assistant professor herself, Sermet took on the task of translating two stories for the collection, each with distinct styles and time periods represented.
The anthology also includes an “Expansion” section after each story. This section offers readers more information about the authors and provides discussion questions suitable for classroom or book club settings. Readers interested in exploring this diverse collection can order “Continuum” through Ooligan Press.
Overall, this unique anthology provides an exciting opportunity for English-speaking readers to discover new French science fiction short stories that cover a range of themes and ideas. It is sure to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this genre or looking for diverse literature options.
