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Review #4847796
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Hobson's Choice Open in new Window. [ASR]
A man has a split second to make a life or death decision
by drboris Author Icon
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#4847796
Review of Hobson's Choice  Open in new Window.
Review by FrosTIGGY ☃️ Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Access:  Public | Hide Review (?)
*StarO* A review from "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group" Open in new Window.*StarO*




*PenB* First Impressions:

This story was a great explanation of the concept of Hobson’s Choice. The character by that name really had no choice at all - he would die either way, his only ‘choice’ was how. Sure, there was a small chance he might survive if he jumped, and that would probably be enough for most people to go for option two. Hobson didn’t want to settle for those two options though so he came up with a third one. Realistically, that third option didn’t improve his chances, but he managed to take the bad guy with him, and that’s enough to make the readers applaud his decision.

It’s quite a short story but it says everything it needs to. The characters come across very well, especially Garvel who appears to be some kind of crime boss who is disposing of an employee who has somehow displeased him. The readers would like to think that this is because Hobson no longer wanted to be involved with the criminal organisation, perhaps even given information to the police - that would make Hobson a more honourable character than if he, for example, tried to steal from his boss. But there is no way of knowing and this isn’t a redemption story; it’s a short, action packed scene that ends with the likely death of both characters.


*PenG* Suggestions:

I noticed a few small errors:

I am very disappointed in you Ernest.
I am curious Merrick.
Not now Captain Chalmers.
No Ernest
You overlooked one other option Merrick.
Well Mr Garvel.
In all of these sentences, you need a comma before the names to set off the direct address.

“No Ernest, what happens next is entirely up to you.
”
There is a stray line break here which made the speech mark end up on the next line.

his eyes on the colt in the older man’s hand
I believe “Colt” is a proper noun and should be capitalised.


*PenP* Final Thoughts:

This was quite an exciting short piece that left the readers guessing where it was going to go. In the end, the title turned out to be aptly chosen because Hobson really had no choice at all, even though by then the readers hoped that he would have come up with a solution. The ending reminded me a little of Sherlock Holmes at Reichenbach Falls, an apparent no-win situation that leaves just enough room for doubt. A good read!




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