In her interview with Tessa Fontaine, Melissa Royce explores the intricate themes of The Red Grove, a novel that examines safety, trust, and the fragile balance between community and control. The story follows a group of women who retreat to an isolated grove, believing they can create true security through shared vigilance and connection. At the heart of the novel is Luce, a devoted member of the group whose faith in their sanctuary is tested when unexpected events force her to question its very foundation.

During their conversation, Fontaine discusses how The Red Grove delves into the emotional complexities of fear, love, and belonging. She reflects on how the novel challenges the idea of safety, revealing it as both a necessity and a potential illusion. Through Royce’s questions, Fontaine unpacks the psychological depth of her characters and the unsettling tension that drives the story forward. More than just a tale of isolation, The Red Grove is an exploration of human instincts, the cost of security, and the quiet moments of reckoning that can reshape everything.