"Bastard Out of Carolina" is a novel by author Dorothy Allison that tells the story of a young girl named Bone growing up in a poor, dysfunctional family in the American South. The narrative explores themes of poverty, identity, and the struggles of being an illegitimate child in a society that stigmatizes her existence. The book is set in the 1950s and 1960s and highlights the challenges faced by Bone and her family, including abuse and neglect. Through vivid storytelling, Allison captures the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of societal judgment on individuals, making it a poignant coming-of-age tale.