This novel tells the story of a mysterious, violent family who lived and toiled in the rugged Appalachian Mountains. Told from the perspective of the youngest child, Lo, he becomes aware of the need for secrecy that underlies their existence, as well as the difficult role his mother plays in keeping them alive. Over time, Lo realises that the mountains are a haven for criminals and that many other families have their own secrets too. As he enters puberty, he decides to walk away from it and create a new life for himself in the outside world. The story picks up a half-century later, when he has retired from a well-respected academic career and is intent on uncovering the truth about his family's history and current whereabouts.