Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion, published by Algonquin Books, is a captivating exploration of the nocturnal world. The author takes readers on a journey through the Appalachian region, where she encounters a variety of creatures that thrive in the dark, such as spotted salamanders, fireflies, glowworms, and bats.
Henion's quest is driven by a desire to restore the night to its rightful place as a sanctuary of nature and renewal. She questions the common portrayal of darkness as a void of doom, instead advocating for its recognition as a vital force that sustains life. 'This is the story of how I set out to re-center darkness by spending time with some of the diverse and awe-inspiring life-forms that are nurtured by it,' she writes.
The book traverses various locations, including Tennessee, Ohio, Alabama, and Henion's home state of North Carolina. Along the way, she is accompanied by friends, her son, scientists, and other night enthusiasts, all seeking to uncover the secrets of the nocturnal flora and fauna. The narrative unfolds through the seasons, focusing on different life-forms in each, such as the spotted salamanders that emerge briefly in spring to breed in temporary pools.
Henion also delves into the impact of artificial light on natural darkness, noting that a third of the world's population can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live. She encourages readers to appreciate the darkness around them, despite the initial discomfort and fear it may evoke. For instance, her encounter with a bat during a survey in Alabama reveals the creature's harmless nature, as it was merely hunting insects attracted to Henion's exhaled carbon dioxide.
While Henion touches on the health effects of artificial light, the book could benefit from more detailed scientific insights. However, her passionate plea to preserve natural darkness and its ecosystems remains compelling. She concludes with a heartfelt call to action: 'May we find our way back to natural darkness, or at least hold fast to the wilderness that still exists, so that we'll be able to bear witness to night's living riches.'
