"Heartstrung," feminist-themed fiction by Mandolin, On Pseudopod!

Pseudopod, the biggest podcast of horror fiction, is currently featuring “Heartstrung,” a short story by Rachel Swirsky — who “Alas” readers know better as Mandolin. (Mandolin’s fiction appears regularly in professional venues, but this is the first time one of her stories has been podcasted.)

If you had asked me, I would have said that “Heartstrung” was fantasy, not horror — but I can see why a horror magazine bought it. It’s not traditional horror, but it is pretty horrifying. It’s also really good, and (in my opinion, at least) contains strong feminist themes. And it’s free! Give it a listen.

P.S. Mandolin is also editing a new podcast of fantasy fiction. More about that next week.

P.P.S. You can read a review of some of Mandolin’s other fiction here.