Night Watch, Pulitzer Prize Winner: A novel BY Jayne Anne Phillips

Night Watch, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and a National Book Award longlister, is a powerful and evocative exploration of survival and resilience in the wake of the American Civil War. Set in 1874, the story follows twelve-year-old ConaLee and her mute mother, Eliza, as they seek refuge at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia. Their journey, driven by the traumas of war, personal loss, and racial upheaval, is marked by the relentless search for stability and healing.

ConaLee, who has been the de facto adult in her family for as long as she can remember, finds herself navigating a world of new challenges as they arrive at the asylum. Eliza, who has been silent for over a year, is slowly beginning to respond to the treatment offered at the facility. ConaLee assumes the role of her mother's maid, while the two women adapt to their new surroundings and the peculiarities of asylum life.

Within the asylum's walls, they encounter a cast of intriguing characters, including a mysterious Night Watchman, an orphan child named Weed, a formidable kitchen overseer, and an insightful doctor. Through their interactions and the evolving dynamics of the asylum, ConaLee and Eliza slowly begin to reclaim their lives.

Night Watch is a meticulously crafted narrative that paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of post-war America and the enduring strength of family bonds. It offers a profound and moving portrayal of the struggle to find hope and renewal amidst the chaos of a fractured society.