Review – Darkness into Light
One of the best parts of Darkness into Light is that it’s just a catch phrase. Hence, just like ‘good morning’ or ‘hello’, the characters say ‘darkness into light’ all the time. They repeat it continuously within the story.
So I wanted ‘darkness into light’ to be almost like ‘Hello, Comrade’. I needed for it to take on a sinister tone.
And boy, did it ever.
Background for Darkness into Light
With a 1984/Brave New World vibe, the catchphrase turned evil very, very quickly.
The idea behind it was that in a future which might not be so far-fetched, the price of equality is a ton of sameness. And that sameness means going along with the majority in every possible way.
So for this society, there can be no deviations, no exceptions, and no delays.
Because you’ve got to be equal. And not necessarily voluntarily.
Or else.
Plot
Minor government functionary Susan has but one job – to make sure that all of the babies born in the Smith Hospital are the exact same color.
But then she finds a pair faces which don’t fit the approved color scheme. And that’s got to change, fast.
Or else.
Characters
The characters are Susan, a minor government functionary. So there is also the young couple she needs to convert from the dark into the light. Whether they want that to happen, or not.
Memorable Quotes
There were dozens of people in Smith County in Smith State who were all expecting children, and the projection on the wall told the tale. She glanced at the faces briefly. Nearly all of them were already the correct, uniform shade and shape, dimensions perfectly aligned and proportioned as per the law.
Rating
The story has a K rating. But it is a bit disturbing. So, I do caution readers.
Takeaways – Darkness Into Light, Indeed
I really love how quickly and easily I was able to turn Susan into something utterly sinister. Beneath a cheerful, allegedly helpful and caring façade, there is a nasty drive to make every single person conform. Whether they like it or not.
I am so glad that this story found an audience. You can find it on the Corner Bar Magazine website. And this site also published Killing Us Softly.
Darkness into Light. If I’ve done my job right, this phrase should make you shudder. #amediting