My Lady Tongue


"My Lady Tongue" is a science fiction short story by Australian writer Lucy Sussex. It was first published in Matilda at the Speed of Light : An Anthology of Australian Science Fiction edited by Damien Broderick.

Plot summary

The story is a love story set in a segregated wymen's utopia in a possible future Australia.

Critical reception

Writing in Thyme reviewer Marc Ortlieb noted that this "is a love story where freedom of choice is shown to be a valued option. It does not allow itself to be tied to possible stereotypes." He concluded: " It lays to rest the idea that Australian academic science fiction is dry and humourless."

Publication history

After the story's initial publication in Matilda at the Speed of Light in 1988, it was included in the following publications:My Lady Tongue & Other Tales by Lucy Sussex, William Heinemann, Australia, 1990The Women Who Walk Through Fire: Women's Fantasy & Science Fiction Vol. 2 edited by Susanna J. Sturgis, The Crossing Press, 1990Mortal Fire: Best Australian SF edited by Terry Dowling and Van Ikin, Coronet Books, 1993Centaurus: The Best of Australian Science Fiction edited by Damien Broderick and David G. Hartwell, Tor, 1999Matilda Told Such Dreadful Lies: The Essential Lucy Sussex by Lucy Sussex, Triconderoga, 2011Strange Horizons, 29 April 2013

Award