By R.M. Carlson
Photo Credit @ Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
She lifted the baby out of his crib. As she raised up, she smelled something burning. She took a quick look around her apartment. She heard the commotion in the street and walked to the doorway. There, in the middle of the usually quiet suburban street, was a bonfire. The fuel was books and the soldiers were gleeful.
Laying her son back in his crib, she started gathering their things. She didn’t know where they would go but away from here. Her son would have a chance at a good life and freedom.
Thanks to Rochelle for Friday Fictioneers.
The Write Scribe 
Not a bonfire but publishers are revising the wording of classic novels and other books written by Agatha Christie, Ian Fleming, Roald Dahl, and even R.L. Stine to “remove offensive language.” Even Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind” has received a “trigger warning.” An insidious form of censorship as bad as actually burning books.
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I remember having a discussion when I was in college over 30 years ago. Conrad’s Heart of Darkness sparked the discussion of whether certain books should be edited to remove offensive language or not read anymore. I was of the camp that we should leave as is and use it as a teachable moment to educate on changing views and why it is offensive and why it was written in the first place. Sad to see what is happening now.
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James, I have also heard about this and it is indeed as bad as burning books. What are people thinking? I just done understand.
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She is wise. Burning books is more than a warning sign, trouble is already there.
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Not a great sign – yes she needs to get out as soon as she can 💞
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Say it’s not so! A book burning! The beginning of the end!
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If only everyone had the chance! Great use of the prompt.
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Scary. And relevant to what’s happening in a lot US states right now.
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I hope she finds a safe place to raise her child.
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