The Wehrwolf: A Short Story by Alma Katsu
The Wehrwolf: A Short Story by Alma Katsu is a novelette set in 1945 in Germany as WWII is ending. Weighing in at 79 pages, this short story packs a psychologically thrilling punch. It was released by Amazon Original Stories on September 27, 2022.
I must admit, I am generally not an avid reader of historical fiction. I had my first real taste when I read The Hunger a few years ago, one of Katsu’s award-winning novels. She had a way of taking history and twisting it, which I very much enjoyed. When I spotted this new novelette, I was compelled to take a dip into history-based fiction once again. I’m so glad I did. The Werewolf is a quick read, but it’s a story that will leave you thinking. I have thought about the characters, the situations, and the underlying themes numerous times since I finished it. It sticks with you.
The story is about a man named Uwe living in a small German village with his wife and daughter. His discovery of a mutilated body early one morning sets off a chain of events that will change his life forever. We follow him as he battles internal demons of feeling weak and incapable of protecting his family as well as his struggle with the decisions he makes and the aftermath. Uwe never felt like he belonged throughout his life. When he’s given a chance to redeem himself, it will be up to the reader to decide if he makes the right decision.
The title comes full circle when you reach the end of the story. I appreciate this sort of hidden Easter egg or play on words, so to speak, and I love how Katsu wove this subject matter into a horror short story. Of course, the truth of the reality of events taking place during WWII is horrific enough, this additional layer puts a spotlight on what true horrors humans are capable of in circumstances where they feel hopeless or desperate.
I enjoyed the fairy tale moments strewn throughout and all of the references to the Grimm Brothers. It was interesting in The Wehrwolf how the adult characters don’t want to get caught believing in the fairy tales, yet they take heed to avoid certain areas because of them. It also found it clever how Katsu sprinkled bits of the Little Red Riding Hood tale into her story. It fit nicely with the anguish Uwe felt about the wolf in the childhood fairy tale and the perception and emotions others held about the fictional monster.
One of the themes I enjoyed was how the characters were continuously at odds with each other, each thinking they were doing the right thing despite the fact that their beliefs were in opposition. Katsu allows us to see both sides of the story which makes hers even more compelling.
One of the main themes throughout this story is power, whether at the hands of a country, an army, or a man protecting his village and family. Katsu takes the chance to show us throughout history how power can corrupt through her own version of a fairy tale, to allow her readers to learn from history. In the Author’s Note, Katsu reminds us “the main lesson history has to teach us is that it’s easy to slip the skin of humanity and become a monster.” Katsu’s background lends credibility to her knowledge of horrifying moments in history, making her characters truly come alive on the page.
The ending is abrupt, but I found it to be fitting. When I put myself in Uwe’s place and mindset, I understood.
Katsu has delivered an enjoyable quick read that will stay with you and prompt many what if’s, especially when you factor in the world we are living in today - our present history.
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Tell me about Alma Katsu!
Alma Katsu’s books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal, been featured in the NY Times and Washington Post, been nominated and won multiple prestigous awards, and appeared on numerous Best Books lists including NPR, the Observer, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Goodreads, and Amazon.
RED WIDOW is her first spy novel, the logical marriage of her love of storytelling with her 30+ year career in intelligence. As an intelligence officer, Ms. Katsu worked at several federal agencies as a senior analyst where she advised policymakers and military commanders on issues of national security. The last third of her government career was spent in emerging technologies and technology forecasting. She was also a senior technology policy analyst for the RAND Corporation and continues as an independent consultant and technology futurist, advising clients in government and private industry.
Ms. Katsu also writes novels that combine historical fiction with supernatural and horror elements. THE HUNGER (2018), a reimagining of the story of the Donner Party, was named one of NPR’s 100 favorite horror stories, was on numerous Best Books of the Year lists, and continues to be honored as a new classic in horror. Her first book, THE TAKER (2011), was named one of the top ten debut novels of 2011 by Booklist.
***Info taken from Alma Katsu’s Bio page on her website
