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

Night Watch is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and a New Yorker Best Book of the Year, acclaimed for its vivid portrayal of family resilience in the aftermath of the Civil War. Set in 1874, this powerful narrative follows twelve-year-old ConaLee and her mother, Eliza, as they navigate the profound trauma of war and loss.

The story begins with ConaLee and Eliza arriving at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia. Eliza, who has been mute for over a year, is seeking refuge, while ConaLee, despite her youth, has had to assume the role of caregiver. Their journey to the asylum is guided by a war veteran who has inserted himself into their lives. The asylum, far from their mountain home and beloved community, becomes their new world as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

The novel unfolds against the backdrop of war’s scars and racial tensions, revealing their past through a series of flashbacks. ConaLee’s father disappeared during the War, adding to their grief. Inside the asylum, the mother and daughter encounter a cast of intriguing characters: the enigmatic Night Watch, the orphaned child Weed, the formidable kitchen manager, and the compassionate head doctor.

Night Watch is a meticulously crafted epic that explores the struggle to survive and find hope amidst chaos. It offers a moving and immersive look at the impact of war and the strength required to endure its aftermath, making it a standout in contemporary literature. 📚❤️