Night Watch

Set just after the Civil War, this novel plunges you into a world where trauma and loss are as common as the mountains themselves. Twelve-year-old ConaLee has been the grown-up in her family for as long as she can remember. Her mother, Eliza, hasn’t spoken in over a year, leaving ConaLee to navigate a harsh, uncertain world on her own. Together, they embark on a difficult journey that lands them at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia, a place that promises refuge but holds its own mysteries and challenges.

The story unfolds through ConaLee’s eyes, revealing a family shattered by war and haunted by the disappearance of her father, who left for battle and never came home. Their flight to the remote mountain ridges and the asylum’s strange, sometimes unsettling environment paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience. ConaLee takes on the role of her mother’s maid, trying to keep things together as Eliza slowly responds to treatment. Around them, a cast of unforgettable characters emerges—the Night Watch, an enigmatic figure; Weed, an orphan child; the formidable woman in charge of the kitchen; and the compassionate doctor leading the institution.

This isn’t just a story about the aftermath of war; it’s about the endurance of family, the struggle to reclaim identity, and the fragile hope found in unexpected places. The writing is rich and immersive, pulling you into a world where every moment feels raw and real. It’s no wonder this book has won a Pulitzer Prize, been longlisted for the National Book Award, and earned a spot as a New Yorker Best Book of the Year. If you’re looking for a deeply moving, unforgettable read that lingers long after the last page, this is it.