And the Trees Crept Inis a haunting and psychological young adult horror novel written by Dawn Kurtagich. The story is deeply atmospheric, blending elements of psychological suspense, supernatural horror, and dystopian survival. Set in a decaying, isolated manor house surrounded by an ever-encroaching forest, the novel explores themes of trauma, sisterhood, madness, and the consequences of family secrets. It invites readers into a twisted world where reality is uncertain and time unravels in disturbing ways. This summary provides a detailed look into the plot, characters, and underlying messages of the book.
Overview of the Story
The novel follows two sisters, Silla and Nori, who flee an abusive home and seek refuge in their distant aunt’s crumbling estate known as La Baume. Located in the English countryside and surrounded by a mysterious forest called the Creeper Wood, the house at first appears to be a safe haven. However, it soon becomes apparent that La Baume is not what it seems, and the forest is more than just a backdrop it’s alive, and it’s moving closer.
The Setting: La Baume and the Creeper Wood
La Baume is a gothic, decaying manor that holds secrets of its own. The house becomes a central character in the story, reacting to the mental states of the characters. The surrounding forest, Creeper Wood, has a dark presence. Each day, the trees appear to creep closer to the house. What starts as an eerie atmosphere slowly escalates into an overwhelming sense of doom, giving the novel its unsettling tone.
Main Characters
Silla
Silla is the protagonist and narrator for most of the book. She is fiercely protective of her younger sister, Nori. After arriving at La Baume, Silla begins to deteriorate mentally as she tries to maintain a sense of normalcy in an increasingly abnormal environment. Her experiences and perceptions become more fragmented as the story progresses, raising questions about what is real and what is imagined.
Nori
Nori is a mute, younger sister who communicates through gestures and facial expressions. Despite her silence, she plays a key emotional role in the story. Her innocence and vulnerability drive much of Silla’s motivation. Nori also exhibits strange behavior that hints she may understand more about the forest and the house than Silla realizes.
Aunt Cath
Aunt Cath is the mysterious figure who initially provides the sisters with shelter. However, her behavior quickly becomes erratic. She vanishes early in the story, leaving behind a cryptic warning. Her absence and the secrets she kept about the house and the family legacy add layers of suspense to the plot.
The novel’s supernatural antagonist is known as ‘The Creeper Man,’ a dark entity that haunts the woods and exerts influence over the house and its inhabitants. He represents death, decay, and the corruption of reality. Whether he is a literal being or a metaphor for something psychological is part of the novel’s lingering ambiguity.
Plot Summary
After escaping a toxic family situation, Silla and Nori arrive at La Baume, hoping for peace and safety. Initially, the house is welcoming, and Aunt Cath offers them refuge. But strange things begin to happen: Cath acts increasingly disturbed and eventually disappears without explanation. Meanwhile, the food supply dwindles, the trees press in, and Silla’s grasp on reality begins to falter.
Silla tries to stay strong for Nori, but the isolation and fear start to break her down. The forest is silent but persistent, creeping closer with each passing day. The girls mark the tree line’s movement, terrified by its approach. Silla hears whispers, sees figures in the woods, and begins to doubt her own memories. The haunting becomes both physical and psychological.
The story is told through fragmented narratives, journal entries, and letters, adding to the disjointed and dreamlike atmosphere. These elements reflect Silla’s descent into madness and the unraveling of time and reality within La Baume.
Revelations and Climax
As the novel moves toward its climax, Silla discovers shocking truths about her family’s history and the role she unknowingly plays in it. The Creeper Man is revealed to be connected to generational trauma and past violence. The house and forest serve as metaphors for the sins of the past, which continue to haunt the present.
In a final, desperate act, Silla must confront the darkness within herself and her family. She faces a choice between succumbing to despair or finding a way to save her sister and herself. The ending blurs the line between reality and hallucination, leaving the reader to interpret what is truly happening.
Major Themes
Trauma and Mental Illness
One of the strongest themes inAnd the Trees Crept Inis the lasting impact of trauma. Silla’s emotional state is deeply affected by her abusive past, and her mental breakdown is portrayed with empathy and complexity. The novel explores how trauma distorts perception and creates a fractured sense of reality.
Family and Generational Guilt
The legacy of family secrets and guilt runs throughout the book. La Baume is filled with relics of the past, and the forest serves as a reminder that history can’t be buried. The Creeper Man is not just a monster but a symbol of consequences passed down through generations.
Isolation and Survival
The sisters’ isolation is physical, emotional, and psychological. Cut off from the outside world, they must rely entirely on each other. This setting heightens the tension and suspense, as the reader feels the claustrophobia and despair that surround the characters.
Reality vs. Illusion
The novel intentionally blurs the lines between what is real and what is imagined. This narrative choice reinforces the psychological horror of the story. The use of unreliable narration forces readers to question the truth alongside Silla, adding to the unsettling tone of the book.
Style and Structure
Dawn Kurtagich’s writing style in this novel is fragmented, lyrical, and experimental. The narrative structure includes changes in font, spacing, and format to reflect Silla’s mental state. Some pages contain only a few words or disjointed thoughts, while others present cryptic messages or repetitive phrases. This unique style enhances the book’s mood and immerses the reader in Silla’s crumbling reality.
And the Trees Crept Inis a complex and emotionally rich psychological horror story that uses its eerie setting and supernatural elements to explore deep themes like trauma, madness, and familial ties. Through the eyes of a fragile narrator and the shifting boundaries of reality, the novel crafts a chilling experience that stays with the reader long after the final page. Its blend of horror, mystery, and emotional depth makes it a standout in young adult fiction and a compelling read for those drawn to gothic, atmospheric storytelling.