Short Story Review – Caw by WC Dunlap

Caw by WC Dunlap is a post apocalyptic horror story that doesn’t center around zombies, a nuclear war, or a pandemic. I would have loved it for that alone, but it’s also just really well written. Like many post apocalyptic stories it is really about human nature in the absence of societal institutions. It has a lot to say about the lasting consequences of racial discrimination after the society that perpetuated the discrimination has collapsed.

I’m reluctant to give too much of the story away because I really enjoyed trying to figure out what was happening as it unfolded. I really enjoyed the character dynamics as well. WC Dunlaps plays with your expectations. A lot is accomplished in a little over 6,000 words.

Let’s just say it’s a mix of The Birds, The Fog, The Thing, and Freaky Friday. There is a chance that some may find it a little over the top towards the end, but I loved it. It is a solid horror story with a refreshing tone and twist. It may be my favorite that I’ve read this month so far.