by: Daniel Mason
Goodreads description:
A sweeping novel about a single house in the woods of New England, told through the lives of those who inhabit it across the centuries—a daring, moving tale of memory and fate from the Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Piano Tuner and The Winter Soldier.
When a pair of young lovers abscond from a Puritan colony, little do they know that their humble cabin in the woods will become home to an extraordinary succession of inhabitants . An English soldier, destined for glory, abandons the battlefields of the New World to devote himself to apples. A pair of spinster twins survive war and famine, only to succumb to envy and desire. A crime reporter unearths a mass grave, but finds the ancient trees refuse to give up their secrets. A lovelorn painter, a conman, a stalking panther, a lusty beetle; as each one confronts the mysteries of the north woods, they come to realize that the dark, raucous, beautiful past is very much alive.
Traversing cycles of history, nature, and even literature, North Woods shows the myriad, magical ways in which we’re connected to our environment and to one another, across time, language and space. Written along with the seasons and divided into the twelve months of the year, it is an unforgettable novel about secrets and fates that asks the timeless how do we live on, even after we’re gone?
Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓 1/2
Don’t judge a book by its cover. The cover art on this one really turned me off and I considered not starting it. I am so glad I did because it was hands down my favorite book of 2024. I have never read a book like this before. It was written in such a unique style. Each chapter is a separate story that takes place on the same parcel of land in Western Massachusetts starting with the Puritans and working its way up to modern day. Some chapters were better than others, but it was all well-woven together in the end. This was really great!
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓1/4
My favorite book of the month! Beautifully written, completely ORIGINAL, totally unpredictable and mesmerizing. A little ethereal and a little creepy. I love all the references and ties to nature – flora and fauna. Fascinating – I was enthralled by all of the captivating residents (human and non-human, alive and undead) of this secluded yellow house in the Massachusetts woods. It is so different, and I thought it was just great! I hope you enjoy it too.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 