Review of "Things We Leave Behind" by Alex Shvartsman

"Things We Leave Behind" by Alex Shvartsman appeared in Daily Science Fiction on May 3, 2013.  "Members of a Jewish family living in Soviet Russia, whose collection of books apparently magically keeps their humble town safe, make the painful decision to leave their legacy behind and emigrate to America."

Mr. Shvartsman reveals in his notes that his tale is at least in part autobiographical.  No doubt, that personal experience gives his beautifully-written story an authentic ring.  Superstition and magical thinking, while common among Jews from the old country (I am the son of one of them), is considered to be sinful in the eyes of God.  This hidden conflict within the speculative element of the story gives it additional impact and interest, at least for me.  7 out of 7 rocket-dragons.