Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

When I was 18 I read Kelly Link's short story collection Get in Trouble and it set the bar for me for short stories, so you can only imagine my excitement at seeing a release date for White Cat, Black Dog. And then even more excitement when I got an ARC from NetGalley!

I loved this collection of short stories so much, and it's always such a pleasure to read Link's work. I thought this was a very cohesive collection and I thought that the order in which the stories were placed flowed very well. I really liked Link's take on retellings and her ability to seamlessly blend the fantastic with the mundane (like writing your PhD dissertation in a certified Creepy House!) and the vague feeling of an unsettling world in these stories was just excellent. I found each story satisfying and dazzling, though my favorites are probably Prince Hat Underground and Skinder's Veil.

In any case, Kelly Link never disappoints me and this was, to me, a perfect collection.

I'm not convinced Kelly Link lives on the same plane of existence as many of the rest of us--certainly she doesn't think there. Nearly every encounter I have with one of her stories leaves me thinking that hers are unlike other stories... even others of hers. I went into this collection of fairy tale retellings with no idea of what to expect, and I was right!

Link's writing often lives, if it calls any place home for long, at the place where weird fiction and literary fiction meet. This latest collection has seven stories with <i>some</i> connection to fairy tales, and though each begins both with its own title and the title of the tale it draws from in parentheses, the connection is clearer in some cases than others. Her adaptation of Tam Lin is the most straightforwardly identifiable in its relationship to the source material as well as being the most fatasy-esque (also it's utterly lovely). Several, while having a titular connection to one fairy tale, evoke multiple tales at once; East O the Sun, West O the Moon feels like an Orpheus tale as well as several others besides. A few use what seem at first like an altogether unrelated story to bring your attention to elements or dynamics you missed in the story as you were used to thinking of it (The White Cat's Divorce).

A couple tales had connections to their source material that struck me as either tenuous at best or possibly as just having gone entirely over my head; both options seem equally likely. One tale, ostensibly based on the Grimm story about a boy who couldn't feel fear (I half-recall the title in German translating to the Boy Who Couldn't Shudder), was so esoteric that any real link to the original escaped me, although I enjoyed and was unsettled by reading it. The adaptation of Hansel and Gretel is a space science fiction story dedicated to Iain M. Banks that contains a sibling-like relationship and abandonment of said siblings, but otherwise nothing I could see that had any thematic or other ties to Hansel & Gretel. It was a damn good story, though, and I didn't mind it a bit.

A word of caution for anyone who might be thinking that fairy tale-inspired short stories might be suited for kids: these probably aren't. There are references to recreational substance use and sex (I'm happy to report excellent queer rep). Overall, Kelly Link is a wonder, and one kind of had to figure that if she did a collection of stories inspired by fairy tales, they'd be weird stories that get under your skin, never anything predictable. A strange and delightful collection. Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC--my opinions are entirely my own.

‘White Cat, Black Dog’ contains seven reimagining of classic fairy tales. Those familiar with Link, a MacArthur genius and esteemed short story writer, will not be surprised at the expertise on display in this collection. Each story is thematically linked by its fairy tale origins but offers unique, one of kind characters. The collection is elevated by illustrations by Shaun Tan and the sum of it all may be enough to cement Link's status as the current master of the short story.

Author extraordinaire Kelly Link’s enchanting new collection of original fairy tales, #WhiteCat,BlackDog is one of the most beguiling experiences I’ve had with a book since I learned how to read about 70 years ago. #White Cat, Black Dog is a whole lot cheaper than a trip to Disney World, and by my standards more magical to boot. Enjoy the journey !

The first two stories didn’t do it for me. They were fine, not necessarily anything I’d look to revisit in the future. But then as soon as the third story began, I was captivated, and Link managed to keep me hooked until the last page of the book.

There’s a recurring theme here of not belonging, or being out of place, and I love when a short story collection has that simple common thread tying the whole set into a bow. Link’s characters feel alive in the magical settings she traps them, and you’ll spend the whole story rooting for the character to escape while also hoping they’re stuck forever because the story is just too delicious to end.

This is a collection worthy of occupying my precious shelf space and I look forward to making room for it upon release.

This was an amazing collection of short stories that are twists on folk tales. Some of them follow the folk tale more closely and others I couldn't quite make the connection. There was only one story I didn't like as much as the others. Almost all of them have a mythical and magical feel to them in varying degrees. And some are disturbing. I didn't want this book to end and already placed my pre-order. I want to read more from Link now!

A set of modern fairy tales with an urban twist. Grimm style — brothers on quests, rescue missions to the underworld, etc. — but with more contemporary elements — a talking white cat who manages a Colorado marijuana farm, a faithful and persistent gay lover who tracks his husband to Hell, a post apocalyptic world where corpses provide protection against the terrorizing creepies. Well-written and surprisingly classic in nature. A lot of recent books seem to be modernizing existing fairytales but this one is absolutely adding new items to the Canon.

Kelly Link is such a master of the short story, it’s almost impossible to go wrong picking up any of her works. White Cat, Black Dog is no exception - 7 delightful, weird, profane, absurd retellings of Western fairy tales, some fairly recognizable, some just a passing nod of respect at its antecedents, all immensely enjoyable. I love Link’s ability to write super weird slipstream fiction while keeping it (mostly) approachable, and I appreciate this collection’s return to a more fantasy-like genre (in comparison to Get in Trouble).

I really enjoyed this interesting and entertaining collection of short stories.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Rating a short story collection is often a difficult task. This one has two phenomenal stories - the first and last - which are alluded to in the title. The first made me feel childlike wonder while the last gave me the heebie jeebies. Like hardcore heebie jeebies. Like "I am so happy I don't live alone" heebie jeebies.

I'm not sure why the other stories didn't really hit the mark for me. I had a lot of trouble engaging with them and something about the pacing didn't seem quite right. It's difficult to put my finger on what didn't work, but I will say this: the writing itself was stellar and the vibes were immaculate. These were my bedtime stories for several days, because reading them often felt like being a young child who is told a fairytale they're too young to understand. While I think some of the intentions of the middle stories went over my head, the experience of reading them was ultimately pleasant.

A 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I recommend this collection to anyone who loves modern retellings of fairytales, doesn't mind reading a few forgettable stories before bed, and loves gorgeous evocative writing.

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Kelly Link has done it again. The short stories in White Cat, Black Dog feel like atmospheric, surreally magical, deeply passionate love songs. This just might be my favorite collection from her yet. I still can't stop thinking about these stories!

These seven stories are retellings of existing fairy tales, only two of which I had heard of before. I love fairy tales and I love it when they get weird, but I found each story to be lacking. I was hoping this would scratch my itch for the bizarre, the grim, but, they were either not weird enough or way too confusing. I enjoyed the writing in some stories more than in others.
If you are a huge fan of fairy tale retellings and short fiction, then I definitely think this is worth the read because it might just be the perfect kind of strange for you!

Here are my ratings for each story:

1. The White Cats Divorce – 3/5
2. Prince Hat Underground – 3/5
3. The White Road – 1/5
4. The Girl Who Did Not Know Fear – 1/5
5. The Game of Smash and Discovery – 2/5
6. The Lady and the Fox
7. Skinder's Veil – 4/5

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I very much enjoyed the seven reimagined fairy tales in this collection. Each short story was a retelling with a twist, and while I liked some more than others, I did like them all. The first story was especially great. I’d describe it as folklore-ish, too. They’re set in the modern (or future) world, but some have a dreamlike quality.

The author really knows how to tell a story, and I’d definitely like to read more by her. Her prose is outstanding, descriptive, and draws you in. As for genre…Literary fiction, scifi, fantasy, folklore? There’s a mix of them all. I highly recommend this collection. It comes out March 28. Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for my copy.

Kelly Link is f**king bonkers, and I mean that as the highest compliment. I've been a fan of her work for many years but given the gap in releases, I forgot just how her brilliant mind works and some of the strange, wonderful, ridiculous things it comes up with.

This collection pretty much has it all. Some gruesome details she manages to make hilarious, some food for thought, some bizarre elements that make you think, "Wait, what the hell did I just read?" and so much more.

While no story here was out of place, my favorites were the first two, The White Cat’s Divorce and Prince Hat Underground. The first especially was such a brilliant start to the collection that set the tone for the rest of the book in the most perfect way. The final story, Skinner's Veil, was perhaps the most thought-provoking without being heavy-handed, which is something Link does so well.

A total pleasure to read!

Thank You to Random House and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Kelly Link’s reimagined fairy tales mixed with modern elements kept my attention in every story, all of which were so unique from the next! My favorites were The White Cat’s Divorce, Prince Hat Underground, The Lady and The Fox, and Skinder’s Veil. These stories, even with taking place in modern day, felt timeless. From talking cats that run a cannabis company, rescuing your significant other from the Queen of Hell, breaking curses in the name of love, to denying Death on their own doorstep, this book was one where I was left feeling bewitched under the magic woven into the pages.

I do hope the author writes more of these; they were unique, brilliant, engaging, and enchanting.

I have a new favorite short fiction writer, and her name is Kelly Link. I don't think I've ever read a collection of short stories and been able to say with confidence that I loved every single one. Link leverage her brilliant mind and cunning wit to breathe new life into some of my favorite folktales. Her style is bold and atmospheric and her stories expertly toy with genre convention, skipping between contemporary fantasy, magical realism, and sci-fi horror from one page to the next. After reading this collection, I firmly believe that Kelly Link is one of the best short fiction writers in the business today, and I will anxiously await her next dazzling collection. Read on for a brief summary the stories and my thoughts on each.

The White Cat follows the son of a cruel corporate patriarch discovering an anthropomorphic society of marijuana farming cats. Prince Hat Undergound, tied for my favorite, is a heart-wrenching, surprisingly humorous retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon which follows a middle-aged man on a quest to rescue his husband from the Queen of Hell. The White Road reworks the Musicians of Bremen into an utterly chilling post-apoalyptic horror story involving a troupe of traveling actors. The Girl Who Did Not Know Fear is a uniquely unmagical tale of family and flight cancellations and the comically small world of the queer women dating scene. The Game of Smash and Recovery was the only story that didn't quite land for me; an inventive but slightly too abstract science fiction take on Hansel and Gretel. Similarly, the Lady and the Fox is a charming coming-of-age Tam Lin adaption that nonetheless sucked some of the venom out of the original tale. However, all was forgiven in the final story, Skinner's Veil, a fabulous and freaky take on Snow-White and Rose-Red about a procrastinating PhD student housesitting for an absent homeowner with an unsettling set of instructions.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been a huge fan of Kelly Link’s short fiction for a long time, so I was eager to read her latest collection, White Cat, Black Dog. This book is different from her previous work in that the stories follow a theme: all are inspired by fairy tales. The stories vary in how closely they hew to the original subject matter, but all of them contain the trademark weirdness Link is known for.

My favorite story, “Skinder’s Veil,” was one I had previously read in anthology of stories in tribute to Shirley Jackson. This is probably the most complex story in the volume, with multiple character arcs intersecting and not all questions answered at the end.

One quality most stories in White Cat share is the mixing of practicality with a dreamlike atmosphere. Link’s characters deal with ordinary family and workplace dilemmas. The protagonist in “Skinder’s Veil” doesn’t get along with his roommate and is behind on his dissertation. The three sons in “The White Cat’s Divorce” have a father who treats them more as accessories than as real people. The protagonist of “The Game of Smash and Recovery” discovers that her beloved brother has been keeping secrets from her. But they’re also faced with supernatural perils. When the main character of “Prince Hat Underground” discovers that his lover isn’t who he thought he was, it doesn’t just mean that the lover has an unsavory past. His lover, in fact, may not even be human. As for the grad student in “Skinder’s Veil,” the person he house-sits for is much more than just an eccentric rich person.

The stories collected in White Cat span most of Link’s career to date. “The Game of Smash and Recovery” was first published in Strange Horizons way back in 2015, while When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson came out in the fall of 2021. Despite their common theme, the stories are varied enough in tone and style that, combined with the long period over which they were written, they’ll give a new reader a good introduction to the breath of Link’s work. For someone who was already a fan, they contain a lot of what we already loved about Link’s writing. So, this is a book I’d recommend for Link fans old and new.

An absolutely beautiful collection and so inspiring. Some particularly memorable stories include "Skinder's Veil," "The White Cat's Divorce," "Prince Hat Underground," The Lady and the Fox," and "The Girl Who Did Not Know Fear."

Kelly Link's White Cat, Black Dog is like having seven fever dreams, but in a good way, without the fever. Usually, in a collection of short stories, there are always a few that don't seem as good as the others. Not in this book. I enjoyed all of them. Reading this made me yearn for a tiny live dog inside a pistachio shell. What's this all about? Well, you'll have to read it and see how tiny dogs arrive in nut shells.

In one, a science fiction tale, there are Handmaids with probing snouts, furred bellies, and sleek and whiplike limbs. Even though they were apparently not dressed, I kept picturing them in red capes and white bonnets.

Some stories were sad, some happy, but all were magical reads.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for allowing me to read and revue White Cat, Black Dog.

So, here’s the publisher’s elevator pitch for White Cat, Black Dog, Kelly Link’s forthcoming collection of short stories: “Seven ingeniously reinvented fairy tales that play out with astonishing consequences in the modern world, from one of today’s finest short story writers.”

This is an absolutely accurate description as far as it goes, but the thing is, it doesn’t go nearly far enough. With each new collection of short stories, including and especially this one, Link proves that she is one of the finest writers working today. Where does her work fall? It’s genre, sure, but is it new weird, slipstream, horror, fantasy, even magic realism? Yes to all of those, and maybe a few more besides that are unique to her. Link’s stories are genre-defying and genre-smashing, constantly keeping the reader deliriously off balance and questioning reality in the best way.

There are seven pieces here, each a masterclass in tone, style, and bravura storytelling. Link is utterly original. I tried to think of other writers playing in a similar sandbox—Margo Lanagan comes to mind, and Paul Tremblay (his short stories, which I think are much more experimental than his novels), but really, Link is a truly unique talent.

Every story in White Cat, Black Dog is strong, but I want to call out one in particular, “Skinder’s Veil”, in which what starts as a simple house-sitting job becomes a journey that defies description. It’s one helluva ride.

White Cat, Black Dog will be released March 28, 2023, and is available for pre-order now. This is a must read.