Kay Boyle wrote short stories and novels for almost half a century. In her fiction she consistently utilized her own experiences as well as her uncanny insights into human nature. She first won widespread critical acclaim in 1935 when "The White Horses of Vienna" won the O. Henry Award for best short story of the year.

Despite this honor, reviewers at the time held mixed opinions of the story, which examines the rise of Nazism in Austria. Many reviewers, however, did appreciate Boyle's obvious talent. The following year, the story was included in her fourth volume of short fiction. Today "The White Horses of Vienna" stands as one of Boyle's most renowned pieces of work.

The success of the story stems in part from Boyle's understanding of the chaos that engulfed Austria at the time. The author lived in that country for three years in the early 1930s and came to know Nazi sympathizers who were otherwise decent people. Boyle brought this realism and humanity to her work.