Get Off the Unicorn

I was a big Anne McCaffrey fan when I was a tween, teen and young adult, but I gave the books away long ago. I was surprised then when I found this book, Get Off the Unicorn, hiding in my pocket book shelves, and I decided to reread it.

The book is a series of short stories based on her novels and stories and I enjoyed revisiting places and characters. The stories are well written and visit many of the author's popular series, and as in those series the stories revolve around strong female leads and revolve around themes of gender and the balance of power, often with toxic masculinity and ageism. Admittedly there is much that is toxic and even offensive today, and although McCaffrey was deliberately confronting, and calling out, show more prevalent issues of the time, issues even a 13 year old girl like myself saw around her daily, there is much that is cringe-worthy. You had to be a girl then; I can't imagine that these books would appeal to younger readers today. I do think McCaffrey made an important difference in the lives of a group of young women, as well as in science fiction and fantasy literature. If I were 13 today, I don't think I'd believe that just a little over a half-century ago, science fiction was all about men and that women rarely more than helpless accessories. By writing from a female perspective and calling attention to behavior that was pretty commonly accepted in much science fiction (and attitudes) of the time, McCaffrey was instrumental in change, a change that remains ongoing. I do not think this short story collection would be the place to start with McCaffrey however, the novels would be a better choice, probably beginning with Pern. Some of the other novels made me cringe even 40 years ago, but I understood the point and I've never thought that difficult and uncomfortable reading should be avoided. show less

This is an enjoyable collection of 14 of McCaffrey's short fiction. Six of the stories are set within the universes of popular series she created. "The Smallest Dragonboy" is set in her popular Pern universe--it's an enjoyable, even if not outstanding story. Three of the stories are set in the "Talents" universe concerning psychics of To Ride Pegasus, The Rowan and Damia. "Lady in the Tower" (1959) was actually McCaffrey's first published story and I enjoyed the follow-up "Meeting of the Minds." "Apple" was, I thought, one of the strongest stories in the book. As were the two similarly themed "Great Canine Chorus" and "Finder's Keepers" although technically both are standalones. "The Thorns of Barevi" is set in the same universe of show more Freedom's Landing and its sequels (although to be honest, that was my least favorite story in the book--too rapey.) And my favorite story in the book was "Honeymoon." Definitely not a standalone, McCaffrey warns in her introduction The Ship Who Sang should be read first. But then, given that aside from the early Pern novels, there's no McCaffrey novel I loved more, I adored being able to revisit Helva.

None of these works are going to be found on a list of science-fiction classics--nor should they be. They're not outstanding either in concept or style. But if these aren't first tier, they're definitely right below. I'd been rereading books to decide which I should winnow from my bookshelves. I recently reread short story anthologies by Orson Scott Card and James P. Hogan. Both wrote novels I loved, both anthologies had first been read much more recently. Yet I couldn't remember a thing about the stories within those books. In the case of McCaffrey I not only quickly remembered almost all the stories once I started reading, certain lines and events were vividly memorable. So no, McCaffrey might not be in the same league as Isaac Asimov or C.L. Moore--but she's very enjoyable--and, I decided, a keeper. show less

SF. An older collection I recently discovered. Crosses several of her themes and characters. Very enjoyable, fills in some story holes. Glad I ran across it.

Awesome short stories by the Mistress of Fantasy. First story is powerfully emotional... my current addition to my jump bag, replacing a tattered copy of 1980 Annual World's Best SF. Should get me through my next field exercise without losing my sanity. lol

I think this is a must read for any Anne McCaffrey fan. Not only are there some great examples of her less well known stand alone short stories, many of her most famous series (Pern and the Rowan for example) actually started off as short stories that are included in this collection. Most fascinating perhaps is a rather risque story that is the basis for the Freedom series and a story about polyamory.

This is a collection of McCaffrey's short stories.

Readers familiar with McCaffrey's work will recognize The Rowan, Damia, the Talents, K'van the dragonrider, The Ship Who Sang, and even Kris and Zaniel (sorta) from the Freedom books.

My favorite stories form this bunch though, are "Daughter" and it's sequel, which were sadly never developed into full novels.

This is a good sampling of McCaffrey's style and an excellent way to get introduced to a number of her various series.

A wonderful collection of stories from McCaffrey's early years as a writer (1959 to 1973).