Wow, Brain Fruit is the first work I’ve read by Stephen Oram, and it truly left an impression.

The story explores how we see the world through something that understands it, yet doesn’t reveal everything, instead pushing what doesn’t know to accept, adapt, and survive.

The themes of becoming one with something—survival through trust, identity, and acceptance (of life, survival, and even death)—were fascinating to experience from the perspective of the main speaker.

I especially enjoyed how the relationship between the brain and the bug was portrayed as a unique, almost beneficial form of parasitism.

Thank you NetGalley and Li’l Factory for the eARC.

Brain Fruit warns readers about the potential dangers of 'humanity' through the interesting outside perspective of an alternative insect-like creature. It positions the reader to question their purpose and appreciate our access of empathy.

The author is a talented writer; great pacing, variety of word choices, imaginative and insightful. Oram delivers with a vivid and effective use of 'show dont tell', and builds a creative and believable reality in short a short space. Brain Fruit was a genuine delight to read and an excellent reflective short piece.