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Written by Josh More
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Sunday, 04 November 2007 12:53 |
I picked up The Coyote Road because it's edited by Ellen Datlow and Terry Windling. This one is in the same line as The Green Man and The Faery Reel, so it's aimed at adults and collects some of the bigger names in the Mythic Fiction genre. This volume aims to be a collection of trickster tails, but surprisingly, the majority of the stories don't involve what I would generally consider "tricking". I was somewhat disappointed in this, as I was expecting some modernized variants of the Coyote, Loki and Anansi myths. These stories do not tend to fit that pattern, though they touch on the traditional myths by reference. That said, given that this is an anthology, some of the stories do -- just not the work as a whole.
"The Listeners" by Nina Kirki Hoffman does fit my conception of the trickster theme, focusing on Hermes. As usual, I absolutely enjoyed Nina's writing, and time (for the most part) just dropped away as I read it. Basing the story in ancient Greece provides a backdrop for the story to meander through myth and social commentary, taking the reader along for the ride. Unlike most of Nina's works, I didn't feel like I was pulled into the middle of the story, but that's OK, I can handle stories with a bit of structure too. I will say that the ending is both surprising and wholly appropriate, though I shan't spoil anything.
"The Fiddler of Bayou Teche" by Delia Sherman, however, does give the feeling of starting in the middle. While, in framing, the story matches the common "devil challenge" pattern, the characters are believable enough that it's not too jarring to be pulled along somewhat predictably. Luckily, the end, while not surprising, breaks out of the pattern. Most interesting is that the story is set in an alien (to me) culture, and is not well explained for the outsider. This is a nice contrast to the realm of stories that include an outsider to provide exposition to the reader.
"Friday Night at St. Cecila's" by Ellen Klages uses an interesting game-based theme. There are a few tricks, but it didn't really feel like a trickster tale to me. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find the character to be as believable (though not as fleshed out, but hey, it's a short story instead of a novel) as those in _The Green Glass Sea_. I did find it somewhat contrived, but enjoyable nonetheless. After all, it's hard to write stories that are based on board games. I think that she did a decent job with the idea.
"Crow Roads" by Charles de Lint was somewhat disappointing. I generally like his work a lot, but this one feel somewhat flat. The story fits his pattern, but the character of mystery wound up being somewhat weak. Upon reflection, I suspect that part of the problem was that in most of de Lint's short stories I am already either familiar with the characters or with the world in which the story is placed. In this case, more time should likely have been spent to establish one of the two.
"Cat of the World" by Michael Cadnum was a huge surprise. Finally, a fantasy story about a cat that reads like it's about a cat. I get so tired of people dressing up snooty lords and vain lady stereotypes in cat's clothing. Instead, we get a story about a cat god who honestly believes that the world revolves around him, and simply acts accordingly. It was a wonderful experience.
"The Seniorita and the Cactus Thorn" by Kim Aniteau was nice because it was about the desert. I love the desert, specifically the Sonora Desert, so the stories that are increasingly placed there are a true joy to read. The theme of city girl vs nature woman was fun, though somewhat overly simplified. I have trouble believing that such a scenario would truly arise. Though it failed to meet my idea of a trickster tale, it was fun.
"Black Rock Blues" by Will Shetterly was amazing. It felt like Will was trying to write a Nina Kiriki Hoffman story. The story started in the middle and continued from there, leaving the reader (me) utterly confused. As it moves along, it slowly becomes apparent what is going on, and only at the end do you realize that you're reading a Coyote tale. This one plus "The Evolution of Trickster Stories Among the Dogs of North Park After the Change" are worth the price of the book in of themselves. The other stories are gravy.
"The Evolution of Trickster Stories Among the Dogs of North Park After the Change" (figures I'd pick the longest title to type twice) by Kij Johnson was a complete surprise. It is a "post world change" story, focusing on the aftermath of a non-specific event which grants animals the power of speech. Obviously this causes problems for pet owners. Not so obviously is how Kij explores the concept. Very much worth reading.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 07 November 2007 19:04 )
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