Today, February 26, is the birthday of Theodore Sturgeon (1918-1985).

Sturgeon was one of the most highly regarded writers of his day, especially his short fiction. I read “Thunder and Roses” today when I had a few minutes free from work and traveling.

“Thunder and Roses” is a postapocalyptic story in which the United States was attacked by unnamed enemies from both the east and the west.

Instead of retaliating, the government chose to not respond.

The story concerns a soldier on a military base who discovers a switch that will launch an automated attack against the contry’s enemies.

There is a USO performer (although the USO isn’t mentioned, that’s what she is) who gives a live broadcast, encouraging the soldiers to not lost hope and not seek revenge.

I’ll not give away too much of this story. It’s a little dated in the tone and some of the descriptions. It sounds like World War II in some of the terminology. Not surprising since the story was written in 1947. Fears about the aftermath of a nuclear war had settled in the public consciousness, and that’s what Sturgeon was dealing with. The whole theme of the story deals with whether revenge or retaliation or defense is justified if everyone dies as a result.

The ending is a little predictable, but as a product of its time, the story works.

“Thunder and Roses” isn’t my favortite Sturgeon story, although I like it well enough. I prefer his earlier work, that stuff that’s a little more pulpy. “Shottle Bop” would be my favorite, followed by “It”.

Sturgeon wrote several novels that were highly regarded, such as The Dreaming Jewewls and More Than Human. I’ve read the former but not the latter.  I was in high school when I read The Dreaming Jewels, so I don’t remember much of it except that I liked it. Probably ought to read it again, as well as More Than Human. My favorite Sturgeon novel, though, is Some of Your Blood.

If you haven’t read Sturgeon, do yourself a favor and do so. His collected short fiction is available in affordable ebook editions.