A review by kellee
North Woods by Daniel Mason

challenging emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. It’s the story of a yellow house in present-day Massachusetts, from its foundation in the 18th century to the present time. Its evolution is told in a series of stories about the residents, interspersed with letters, journal entries, and poems/songs that, to my knowledge the author wrote himself, but feel of the time. There are also paintings, almanac entries, diagrams, and a lot of nature writing. The prose is irreverent, surprising, and wistful. It feels like the author found all these disparate elements and wove them together into a seamless narrative. It’s kind of like The Vaster Wilds’ more offbeat cousin. I don’t think it’s for everyone, as the style is non-traditional. But if you enjoyed Lincoln in the Bardo, I think you’d like this one!

5 stars!