"Nightwoods" is a novel by Charles Frazier that explores the life of a young woman named Luce, who lives in a secluded area of North Carolina. After the death of her twin sister, Luce becomes the guardian of her sister's troubled children, which complicates her solitary existence. The story delves into her internal struggles and the painful memories that haunt her, as she grapples with the responsibilities of motherhood while trying to preserve her independence.
The narrative is infused with elements of Gothic suspense and human emotion, portraying how Luce's life intertwines with the dark past of the region. The children, who have their own traumatic backgrounds, bring chaos into her life. As she endeavors to protect them, she also confronts the ghosts of her past and the realities of emotional trauma. The backdrop of the North Carolina wilderness plays a significant role, enhancing the mood and contributing to the sense of isolation felt by the characters.