Mark Niemann-Ross' "A Cup of Dirt" (novelette): Turning dirt into soil
This is easily the best I've seen so far of 2013 fiction. And, at least in my book, among the better all-time stories of the genre. Modern sensibilities & technology, in a classic fun story of a tinkerer who thinks he can make living a little more interesting...
Update 29 May 2013: I've seen at least one online post questioning the technical facts of composting in the story. I personally am not qualified to judge this.
Rating: A.
Added to my "best of 2013" list.
Related: Stories of Mark Niemann-Ross.
Story summary.
In the sterile atmosphere aboard an under construction earth-orbiting space station, hydroponic food is not really well loved. So hero sets down on growing tomatoes "in soil". Only problem is: there is no soil here, there is heavy emphasis on keeping the environment clean, & management will likely shut the project down on contamination fears should it learn about it. So the secret project to manufacture tomato-friendly soil from local dirt like human skin-sheddings collected by air filters begins...Update 29 May 2013: I've seen at least one online post questioning the technical facts of composting in the story. I personally am not qualified to judge this.
Fact sheet.
First published: Analog, June 2013.Rating: A.
Added to my "best of 2013" list.
Related: Stories of Mark Niemann-Ross.
5 comments:
Hey - thanks!
Interesting backstory on A Cup of Dirt is located at https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/4268960-a-cup-of-dirt---the-backstory
Mark Niemann-Ross
Based on your recommendation, eagerly read the intro chapter. Only to find the plot was constantly interrupted with mentions of how lust inducing the women were. Too bored to google him, is the author a horny teenager?
Strange, I didn't even notice the lust inducing part. We must have different tastes.
"I've been accused of portraying the
women in the story as vacuum-
headed sexpots." From mnr's own link. Looks like it's not a matter of 'taste' ;)
Hi Anon,
Thanks for checking the backstory - the snippet you've quoted has a conclusion that might be interesting...
But the Sidorova sisters are sexy - and smart - and human. ... Of course, they are amped up - it's a short story after all and everything needs to be louder, brighter and quicker than in real life. Take a look at Captain Jerwin if you think all the women are objectified. I'd strongly advise you don't mess with her during a Senate hearing - or on the Judo mat.
And no, I am not a horny teenager. You'll find it amusing to discover who I really am...
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