Lok is a member of a small tribe of close-knit neandertals living at a time when the world is rapidly changing, and this is coinciding with the arrival of strange new creatures, Homo Sapiens. The story is mostly told from Lok’s perspective, as he observes the new creatures and tries to explain their behaviour using his limited perspective and understanding.
Lok and his tribe are slowly diminished in number due to the superior abilities and tools of the newcomers. Lok and his group rely more on instinct and tradition, whereas the new people are masters of adapting to the environment and using tools they build with their hands. The narrative takes on a more poignant tone, as Lok struggles to express his fear, confusion and a sense of the bleak future that awaits him and his ilk.
From the Human’s perspective, the Neandertals are forest demons, not much more removed than wolves. But what is brought out is that irrespective of the position on the evolutionary scale, humanity exists in all beings. The story draws parallels to the effects of rapid modernisation and the progress of civilization on lesser societies, like the undiscovered and uncontacted tribes interactions with loggers. A short and thoughtful read.