[On May 10, 2021 Strange Horizons officially expressed its political support for Palestinian solidarity. The views of Tangent Online reviewers are not necessarily those of Strange Horizons. Fiction critiqued at Tangent Online is, as much as is humanly possible, without prejudice and based solely on artistic merit.]

Strange Horizons, August 3, 2026

“Every Child A Changeling” by Samantha Pellegrino

Reviewed by Wendy Vidlak

“Every Child A Changeling” by Samantha Pellegrino starts with the question: what happens when your baby gets swapped for a changeling? A talk with the officer who has come to help with the kidnapping introduces the question: Is it your fault? Then the ultimate question: Do you love it or get rid of it? That is the basic premise for this week’s story in Strange Horizons. A well-written piece full of emotion, told through the actions, thoughts, and dialogue of the main character.

The insecurities, the pain, the sleepless nights, and the constant advice or criticism from others reminded me of the real months after a baby is born. The story moves on to a fairy watching the changeling. Another mother worried for her young. At first driven away by the protagonist with salt that accidentally gets on the baby, resulting in the funniest line of the story “I sat with the changeling in a bath full of breakfast.” The fairy came back night after night until finally they talked. The ending had a bit of a twist, but not the one I was expecting. Overall, a cozy read of character development interspersed with some biting and salt throwing that shows early motherhood in all its gory detail, whether the child is yours or a changeling.