Changeling, and Other Stories

"Changeling and Other Stories" by Donn Byrne is a compilation of short stories from the early 1900s. The highlighted story, "Changeling," centers on Anna Janssen, a chorus girl facing trial for killing her ex-lover, Alastair de Vries, amidst intense public attention and significant personal change. The collection ties together elements of crime, the legal system, and human bonds, examining serious topics like identity and the ability to make amends. "Changeling" begins with a high-tension courtroom scene as the prosecution presents their arguments against an intriguing Anna Janssen. The story reveals the complexities of Anna's character alongside a contrast between her current trouble with her vibrant past in New York's entertainment scene. Her defense lawyer, Howard Donegan, shows little engagement which then raises worries about how everything could turn out for Anna; leading to a deeper examination of her history and raising moral questions surrounding her behavior to keep readers interested.