"Pride's Prison"
A brief Introduction (Published on Bewildering Stories)
The problems endured by my younger character in this story are not due to his racial, ethnic or religious heritage. The torment he endures is inflicted by his own—his Volk—, and that is what makes it so very personal and causes such intense pain. It is my hope that the reader will come away from reading the story with such a realization. If you've ever wondered how such youngsters feel in their private moments, well, now you'll know. At the beginning of the second half of the piece, this will become all too clear. Your patience with the story will be well rewarded.
The story takes approximately one hour's reading time. It can be printed out if more convenient. It was presented in two weekly issues, #181 and #182. The following link will take you to the "Reader's Guide" for the first issue. It can be found under "Serial." (The third category, near the top of the page.)
Please read the editor's introductory remarks and then click on the story's title. At the end of Part I, just click where indicated to immediately continue to Part II of the first half of the story. For the second half of the story, just click at the end of Part II where indicated to proceed directly to Part III. There is no need to return to this page or otherwise leave the story.
The bulk of the story is rated "G." Towards the beginning of the story, there are a few allusions to adult themes for reasons of suspense and characterization. Overall, I would think it would be rated as no more than "PG-13." It is intended for an adult readership. There is an author’s commentary on this website which can be read after finishing the story if one is interested. It explains certain aspects of the story as to why they were framed as they were.
Its genre is soft science fiction or fantasy, but that is merely a literary device to make the plot tenable and nothing more. So even if you normally do not care for SF, please don't let that deter you from reading it. Aside from the literary device itself, there is nothing else fantastical within the piece. It reads like mainstream fiction. The story need not be interpreted on a literal basis if one so chooses. Please click below:
Free access, no ads, no registration required to read.
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The boy in front being taunted
closely resembles Bobby Schultz of “Pride’s Prison.” He's half Irish and resembles the maternal side of his family in both looks and disposition.
