The Evolution of Trickster Stories Among the Dogs of North Park After the Change
"The Evolution of Trickster Stories Among the Dogs of North Park After the Change" is a 2007 science fiction/fantasy short story by American writer Kij Johnson.
It was originally published in The Coyote Road: Trickster Tales, from Viking Press,[1] and subsequently republished in The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: 21st Annual Collection.
Synopsis[]
The story depicts a world in the aftermath of "the Change", a mysterious event whereby all domesticated mammals spontaneously gain near-human intelligence and the ability to speak. Terrified pet owners evict their dogs, and the bewildered animals cluster together in packs.
Linna, a student, interacts with the abandoned dogs as they become feral, and notices that they tell each other stories about "One Dog", a trickster figure.
Reception[]
It was shortlisted for the 2007 Nebula Award for Best Novelette.[2] and the 2008 World Fantasy Award—Short Fiction.[3]
References[]
- ^ Firebird, at Penguin Books (via archive.org); retrieved December 19, 2010
- ^ Nebula nominees list at Locus, retrieved December 19, 2010
- ^ News archive: 9 August 2008: World Fantasy Awards Nominations at SF Site, by Stephen Silver, retrieved December 19, 2010
External links[]
- Text of the story on Kij Johnson's official site
- Science fiction short stories
- 2007 short stories
- Short stories by Kij Johnson