Under Currents summary

Life in the Shadows

In Under Currents by Nora Roberts, we are introduced to the seemingly idyllic Bigelow family, living in the picturesque town of Lakeview, North Carolina. Dr. Graham and Eliza Bigelow, the parents, are respected members of the community, and they have two children, Zane and his younger sister Britt. But behind the facade of their perfect life, a dark undercurrent runs. The doctor is a brutal and controlling man, and Eliza is a victim of his abuse, unable to protect herself or her children.

We follow Zane through his childhood, witnessing the physical and emotional abuse his mother endures and the manipulation and cruelty his father inflicts on all of them. The children grow up in an atmosphere of fear and control, with Zane trying to shield his sister and mother from their father's wrath. But no one is immune to his brutality, and the family lives in constant terror.

Escaping the Past

As Zane reaches his teenage years, he decides to take a stand against his father's abuse. A violent confrontation ensues, and Zane's life changes forever. His mother finally finds the courage to leave her husband, but the scars of their traumatic past continue to haunt the family. Zane, filled with anger and resentment, channels his emotions into sports and academics, determined to build a better future for himself.

After high school, Zane leaves Lakeview for college, determined to escape his painful past. He excels in his studies and becomes a successful lawyer in Washington, D.C. Despite his physical distance from Lakeview, the emotional scars of his childhood continue to weigh him down. He is unable to form deep connections and is haunted by the fear of turning into his abusive father.

Returning Home

Years later, Zane is forced to return to Lakeview due to a family emergency. The town holds painful memories, but it is also where his heart lies. He reconnects with his sister Britt, who has established herself as a successful pediatrician, and together they confront their past. Zane also meets Darby McCrae, a talented landscape artist who is renting a cottage on the Bigelow property. Darby has her own painful past, and she and Zane bond over their shared experiences.

As Zane and Darby grow closer, they find solace in each other's company. Darby's artistic spirit and Zane's legal expertise complement each other, and they make a formidable team. Together, they work to uncover the truth about the dark secrets of Lakeview, including the abuse that Zane's father inflicted on his family and other women in the town.

Confronting the Past

As Zane and Darby delve deeper into the town's secrets, they face danger from unexpected quarters. Zane's father, who has always maintained a facade of respectability, is revealed to be a monster. His arrest and trial bring further trauma to the family, but it also provides them with a sense of closure. Zane, with Darby by his side, finally finds the strength to confront his past and let go of his fears.

In the end, Under Currents is a story of survival and resilience. Zane and Darby's love for each other, along with their determination to overcome their past, serves as a beacon of hope. The book is a powerful exploration of the human spirit, showing how even the darkest of pasts can be overcome with courage and love.