Mysterion, October 2023

“Among the Birds” by Will Greatwich

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

The narrator of “Among the Birds” by Will Greatwich dies and finds himself in what appears to be a Hell for birds, in which the animals are tortured in various ways. After confronting a strange and enigmatic version of God, he believes that he has discovered why he was sent there.

This mysterious story raises more questions than it answers, although the ending provides some resolution. It powerfully depicts the unknowable nature of deity, while offering hope that mere humans can find purpose in life and death. Disturbing enough to be thought of as a horror story, particularly for those readers fond of birds, it also provides a touch of inspiration, without falling into the trap of blind optimism.

Victoria Silverwolf likes birds.