In many cases, works like Doubt draw elements from real life but are embellished or fictionalized to make a more compelling story. So, it might not be a straightforward true story.
I don't know who the author of 'the clearing novel' is. There could be many novels with that name or a similar one, so it's difficult to determine the author without more context.
The 'clearing novel' might be centered around the concept of a clearing in different ways. It could be a physical clearing in a forest where secrets are hidden, or it could be a metaphorical clearing, like a new beginning or a place of clarity for the characters. For example, it could tell the story of a group of friends who discover something extraordinary in a forest clearing and how that discovery changes their lives. They might face challenges and grow as individuals throughout the story.