The Evolution of Trickster Stories Among the Dogs of North Park After the Change

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"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.

Contents

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]

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References

  1. Firebird, at Penguin Books (via archive.org); retrieved December 19, 2010
  2. Nebula nominees list at Locus , retrieved December 19, 2010
  3. News archive: 9 August 2008: World Fantasy Awards Nominations at SF Site, by Stephen Silver, retrieved December 19, 2010