The Woods All Black
The Woods All Black by Lee Mandelo, published by Tor Publishing Group on March 19, 2024, is a 160-page work in English that intertwines elements of historical horror, trans romance, and revenge. Set in 1920s Appalachia, the narrative follows Leslie Bruin, who is sent to the backwoods township of Spar Creek by the Frontier Nursing Service. Tasked with vaccinating locals and assisting with births, Leslie faces the scrutiny of the community, which views him through a lens of prejudice and misunderstanding. As he navigates the challenges of his assignment, he encounters a darkness that threatens to engulf the town.
Readers will find a rich exploration of themes such as reproductive justice and bodily autonomy within the context of small-town dynamics. The story delves into the complexities of identity and the struggles against societal norms, as Leslie confronts the violent undercurrents of the local congregation and the haunting presence of the woods. The narrative presents a vivid portrayal of passion and power, inviting readers to engage with the historical and fantastical elements that shape the lives of its characters.
Official synopsis Publisher
The Woods All Black is equal parts historical horror, trans romance, and blood-soaked revenge, all set in 1920s Appalachia
Leslie Bruin is assigned to the backwoods township of Spar Creek by the Frontier Nursing Service, under its usual mandate: vaccinate the flock, birth babies, and weather the judgements of churchy locals who look at him and see a failed woman. Forged in the fires of the Western Front and reborn in the cafes of Paris, Leslie believes he can handle whatever is thrown at him—but Spar Creek holds a darkness beyond his nightmares.
Something ugly festers within the local congregation, and its malice has focused on a young person they insist is an unruly tomboy who must be brought to heel. Violence is bubbling when Leslie arrives, ready to spill over, and he’ll have to act fast if he intends to be of use. But the hills enfolding Spar Creek have a mind of their own, and the woods are haunted in ways Leslie does not understand.
The Woods All Black is a story of passion, prejudice, and power — an Appalachian period piece that explores reproductive justice and bodily autonomy, the terrors of small-town religiosity, and the necessity of fighting tooth and claw to live as who you truly are.
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