After

by Caroline Zancan, Amy McFadden (Narrator)

This story was originally published in Day One, a weekly literary journal dedicated to short fiction and poetry from emerging writers.

Three years after a series of massive waves takes out New York City and apocalyptic weather continues to shrink US coastlines, Julian and Kate’s daughter returns to their Midwestern home…what’s left of it. They should be thrilled, but while Kate is happy to have her daughter home, Julian can’t quite believe it’s really her. Since their daughter worked in New York City at the time of the first disaster, it seems impossible for her to be alive. However, the unspoken rule that forbids talk of life before the waves prevents Julian from determining the truth once and for all. A story about family, After illuminates the bonds that transcend geography and time even at what may literally be the end of the world.

Genres: Short Stories

1 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 22, 2014

Reviews

[Rellim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Zancan managed to pack mystery, suspense, heartbreak, and hope into this stand alone short story. Quick listen set in a post-apocalyptic United States that can be enjoyed in less than half an hour.

A young woman returns home, but is she their long lost daughter or a stranger who has survived unspeakable things? Or both?

Narration:
Amy McFadden wonderfully captures all the emotions Zancan wove into this tale.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it her daughter or not!?

[James Sowden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short quick read

Nice to be able to read a complete book whilst on lunch break however can not help feeling the story could be more developed and a bit longer