NPR's Book of the Day
In 'Idle Grounds,' a pack of children searches the woods for their missing cousin
Feb 20, 2025
In this engaging conversation, author Krystelle Bamford dives into her novel 'Idle Grounds,' which captures the eerie essence of New England Gothic. She shares insights from her own childhood that influenced the story of cousins searching for a missing sibling. The discussion highlights the interplay of innocence and darkness, as the children navigate their enchanting yet foreboding surroundings. Bamford also explores nostalgia, using the metaphor of eggs to illustrate the fragility of childhood and the complex emotions tied to familial relationships.
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Quick takeaways
- Krystelle Bamford's novel, Idle Grounds, embodies the New England Gothic genre, highlighting the eerie juxtaposition between childhood innocence and underlying darkness.
- The narrative showcases how children perceive and internalize adult emotions, influencing their transition from innocence to understanding complex familial dynamics.
Deep dives
The Essence of New England Gothic
The concept of New England Gothic is explored through the lens of childhood experiences in Christelle Bamford's novel, Idle Grounds. This genre is characterized by a juxtaposition of innocence and eerie undertones, with themes of lost innocence and underlying darkness. The narrative, set during a seemingly innocent summer, gradually reveals the sinister as children confront unsettling family truths, highlighting a shift from carefree play to the challenges of growing up. The author reflects on how the terror and excitement of childhood can intermingle, creating a unique atmosphere that mirrors the complexities of both the setting and the characters' emotional landscapes.
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