An Intricate Tapestry of Nature and Emotion

In ‘Smothermoss’, Alisa Alering paints the Appalachian landscape in vivid detail, capturing the essence of its mountains, hollows, moss, and quartz. This Gothic debut delves deep into themes of violence, trust, and survival, all while immersing the reader in the rugged beauty of the Appalachian region. Alering’s narrative is intricately woven with the landscape, making it an essential character in the story.

The Struggles of the 1980s South

Set in the 1980s, ‘Smothermoss’ portrays the struggles of Sheila, Angie, and their mother. Their mother works long shifts at an asylum, leaving the sisters to fend for themselves in their small shared room. While Sheila focuses on work and worries about everyday survival, Angie explores her surroundings and engages in captivating artistic pursuits, sketching enigmatic creatures on her tarot cards. Their diverging personalities are vividly depicted, adding depth to their characters and relationships.

A Community Shaken by Tragedy

The novel takes a dark turn when two female hikers are murdered on the Appalachian Trail. This tragic event shakes the community and instills a pervasive sense of fear that the murderer may still be lurking nearby. As the narrative unfolds, the landscape itself begins to reveal hidden secrets, with the mountains, rocks, and stones seemingly coming to life, each telling their own story.

A Southern Gothic Fairy Tale

‘Smothermoss’ can be described as a Southern Gothic fairy tale. The novel is filled with elements that require a suspension of disbelief, such as an invisible rope attached to Sheila’s neck. The setting of the 1980s South provides a challenging backdrop for characters trying to find their voices. The story is engaging, with brief chapters and crisp scenes that build in tension and wonder, surprising readers with the sisters’ evolving destinies.