Nightwoods by Charles Frazier

Charles Frazier of  Cold Mountain fame, has yet again created a captivating story around the backwoods world of the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina.  Unlike his other books set in the 1800’s, this one takes us into the mid 20^th century (1960) where life is still quiet and simple, but is on the cusp of discovery by the retirees and vacationers who have more recently populated the area. 

Luce, a single woman living alone in an old resort lodge at the foot of a mountain spends her time hiking, gardening, reading and licking the wounds of an old psychological injury that leaves her unable to find happiness among the rest of society.  Her world is turned around when social services arrives at her door with her sister’s 5 year old twins for her to raise.  Their mother (her sister) was murdered by their stepfather while the children watched, which has rendered them antisocial with tendencies toward pyromania.  Its Luce’s job to help them recover and become able to interact with others while she keeps them safe from their stepfather, Bud.  Bud, newly back in town, stalks them because he thinks that they know more than they do about some money he thinks is his.

Luce is an interesting character with her own cross to bear.  Having no intention of ever having kids or raising someone else’s, her parenting learning curve is short but thoughtful, as we believe that maybe she understands what the twins need to help them heal.  The others in the book provide a colorful backdrop to the drama that is played out between Bud and Luce. 

What I love about Charles Frazier’s books is his sense of place.  When you read them, you know exactly where the action is taking place.  His descriptive voice allows you to visualize it in your mind.  Because he has spent his life in the North Carolina Mountains, he just gets it right.  Some of you might know that I am of the mind that the area around Asheville and Brevard NC is God’s country, a beautiful place that, throughout history has been isolated enough to be largely unaware of the rest of the world.  When I read this book, I could see the characters and hear them speak in the backwoods setting he has created.  There, the rules of society don’t always apply and people act out of the rich culture and traditions of a segment of society that, before mass media, internet and cell phones, has spent hundreds of years insulated from the pressing issues of the time. 

Some critics thought otherwise.  They found fault in his “elegantly archaic-sounding, rough-cut and contrived” prose.  I don’t agree.  To me, his writing is poetic and magical.  I think Mr. Frazier draws some inspiration from a 19^th century style of writing, a time period that he has written about in two previous novels; one that lends reality and atmosphere to his other books.  I think it works here too.  It’s this more flowery style that gives Nightwoods a timeless quality and helps us visualize the landscape and his eccentric characters better. 

Do yourself a favor.  This summer, when you need a trip back to a slower time where people live simply and out of the spotlight, pick up Nightwoods and see if you agree with me.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.