"L'Esprit de L'Escalier" is a 2021 fantasy short story by Catherynne M. Valente, retelling the story of Orpheus and Eurydice in a modern setting. It was first published on Tor.com.
Months ago, Orpheus successfully rescued Eurydice from the underworld, but despite his efforts, she is still depressed — and a zombie — and their relationship is failing.
"L'Esprit de L'Escalier" was a finalist for the 2022 Hugo Award for Best Novelette[1] and the 2022 Locus Award for Best Novelette.[2]
Publishers Weekly called it "clever" and "challenging".[3]
