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

Night Watch is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that offers a profound and riveting exploration of survival and resilience in the aftermath of the Civil War. Set in 1874, the novel follows twelve-year-old ConaLee and her mother, Eliza, as they navigate the shattered world left in the wake of conflict. The story begins with their arrival at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia, where they are escorted by a war veteran who has intrusively entered their lives.

ConaLee, who has taken on an adult role from a young age, is now faced with the challenge of caring for her silent mother. Eliza, who has been mute for over a year, and ConaLee must find their footing in the asylum—a place far removed from the familiarity of their previous life, including their beloved mountain home and a missing father who never returned from the war.

Inside the asylum, the duo struggles to rebuild their lives amid the chaotic and often harsh environment. ConaLee assumes the role of her mother's maid, while Eliza slowly responds to the treatment provided. They encounter various characters, including the enigmatic Night Watch, a troubled orphan named Weed, a stern kitchen overseer, and a remarkable doctor who leads the institution. Through these interactions and the ongoing challenges, ConaLee and Eliza attempt to reclaim their sense of self and hope for the future.

Night Watch is an epic and meticulously crafted tale of endurance, capturing the lingering effects of war on individuals and their quest for healing and stability.