"Chime," a novel by Franny Billingsley, follows the life of Briony Larkin, a young girl who has been raised in the marshes of ancient England. Briony struggles with her identity and the burden of a family curse, believing that her presence brings misfortune. She battles with her feelings of guilt and responsibility surrounding the death of her stepmother and her complicated relationship with her younger sister, Edith, who possesses a mysterious connection with the supernatural.
The story intertwines elements of magic and realism, as Briony navigates her tumultuous emotions and the realities of her environment. Her experiences in the marsh lead to encounters with various characters, including a boy named Eldric, who challenges her understanding of herself and her past. Through her interactions, Briony begins to unravel the truths about her family and confront the darkness within her.