Reviews of Four Recently Published Books
Kelly Link’s latest short story collection, “White Cat, Black Dog,” has recently been published, receiving great reviews from critics and readers. Alongside this collection, three other books have also been published that are captivating the attention of the literary world. Victor LaValle’s horror novel, Gina Chung’s post-climate change world-set novel, and Jade Song’s debut novel exploring Chinese-American experience are all gaining popularity.
Kelly Link’s latest collection of fairy tales stands out from other retellings, intertwining the real with the surreal and exploring themes of love and mortality. Victor LaValle’s horror novel is set in early 20th century America and follows Adelaide Henry on a journey to a mysterious homestead. Gina Chung’s novel is set in a post-climate change world and follows Ro as she tries to rescue a prized octopus. Jade Song’s debut novel explores Ren Yu’s journey toward athletic perfection under an abusive coach.
Kelly Link Blurs the Boundary between Genre Fiction and Literary Mainstream
Kelly Link has won numerous awards for her genre fiction writing but is equally known for pushing the boundaries in literary fiction. Her work seamlessly blends humor and unease with a deep engagement with genre tropes, creating stories that straddle boundaries with ease.
The Influence of Fairy Tales
Link draws extensively upon fairy tales in her writing, using recognizable patterns and conversational tones to create inviting works that subvert expectations. In her latest collection, “White Cat, Black Dog,” she continues this trend by drawing upon a wide range of fairy tale traditions.
Defamiliarizing Language
One consistent feature of Link’s work is her defamiliarization of language, often creating contrast between the magic and mundane. This style blurs genre boundaries, creating a unique reading experience for the audience.
Balancing Genre Conventions and Literary Fiction
In “Prince Hat Underground,” a new story in “White Cat, Black Dog,” Link plays with the idea of genre and literary fiction conventions. The story navigates between layers of reality, ultimately leaving the reader questioning the meaning and fulfillment of these conventions.
Kelly Link’s writing blurs genre boundaries with her unique style drawing upon a range of influences. The influence of fairy tales is clear, as she uses recognizable patterns to create inviting works that subvert expectations. By defamiliarizing language and playing with genre conventions, Kelly Link creates a unique reading experience that continuously blurs the lines between genre and literary fiction.
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