The Wehrwolf

Alma Katsu

Save:

Find on Amazon

fear and uncertainty of world war ii

historical fiction set in germany

ordinary german citizens in turmoil

emotional intensity and empathy in prose

folklore elements intertwined with history

quick pacing that maintains intrigue

devoted family man as protagonist

horror elements from german folklore

impact of advancing allied forces

tension during the end of a war

The Wehrwolf by Alma Katsu is a historical fiction novella set in Germany at the end of World War II. The story follows Uwe Fuchs, a simple man who loves his family and is faced with the fear and uncertainty of the advancing Allied Forces. Through Katsu's distinct writing style, the narrative explores the themes of humanity, fear, and transformation, blending elements of Germanic folklore with a unique perspective on the lives of ordinary German citizens during a tumultuous period in history.

Characters:

The characters are relatable, especially the protagonist who embodies the struggles of a devoted family man, portraying ordinary Germans with empathy.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by emotional intensity and a deep sense of empathy, effectively conveying historical and folkloric elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The story centers on civilians facing the impending arrival of Allied Forces, highlighting the protagonist's fears for his family's safety while intertwining historical elements with folklore.

Setting:

The setting is in Germany at the end of World War II, reflecting the era's uncertainty and tension.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, keeping readers engaged and maintaining intrigue throughout its concise format.

Notes:

The main character is a husband and father named Uwe Fuchs, who is fearful for his family's safety.

The story is set in a German village during the end of World War II.

It explores the rise of the Wehrwolf militia, a real historical group from that time.

The tale blends historical fiction with horror elements, particularly werewolf lore.

Alma Katsu's background with the CIA and NSA influences her storytelling and character development.

Readers appreciated the empathy generated for German civilians during the war, contradicting common narratives.

The inspiration for the werewolf aspect comes from Germanic folklore and the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales.

The novella is a short read but full of intrigue and action, ideal for those looking for something quick.

The narrative has been described as gripping, with an ending that surprises readers.

The author's writing style is noted as distinct and engaging, keeping readers riveted.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers may include themes of war, violence, and moral conflict, especially concerning the portrayal of historical atrocities and the psychological aspects of fear.

From The Publisher:

Alma Katsu, the visionary author of The Fervor, The Hunger, and The Deep, brings readers a terrifying short story about monsters among men-and the thin lines that divide them.

Germany, 1945. In the waning days of World War II, the Nazis have been all but defeated. Uwe Fuchs, never a fighter, feels fortunate to have avoided the front lines as he cared for his widowed mother.

But Uwe's fortune changes when Hans Sauer, the village bully, recruits him to join a guerilla resistance unit preparing for the arrival of Allied soldiers. At first, Uwe is wary. The war is lost, and rumor has it that Hans is a deserter. But Hans entices him with talk of power, brutality, and their village's ancestral lore: werewolves.

With some reluctance, Uwe joins up with the pack and soon witnesses their startling transformation. But when the men's violent rampage against enemy soldiers takes a devastatingly personal turn, Uwe must grapple not only with his role in their evil acts but with his own humanity. Can he reclaim what this group of predatory men has stolen from him?

Or has he been a monster all along?

Ratings (1)

Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (1):

Read It (1)

What can you read after
The Wehrwolf?

See the list (57 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.