North Woods - Daniel Mason

[Mushroomwithaview]

I haven't quite finished it yet, but wow I'm enjoying it.
It was a $2 charity shop punt. Took me a couple of chapters to work out what was going on. Now I am hooked and will recommend it to everyone.

It is a series of seemingly unconnected stories which all take place across the centuries in a small homestead in the woods in rural America. The place itself is the thread that runs through all the stories and the ghosts of past times and past lives are woven into every story. It is beautifully written, funny, heartbreaking, doesn't take itself too seriously.

Has anyone else read it?

No but it sounds interesting!

I absolutely loved it. One of my top books from last year. Moving and funny all in one.

Yes, on the whole I really enjoyed it and I think it will stay with me. Although, I wasn't quite sure about the end, intrigued to see what you make of it

Finished this last week and it has really stayed with me. Wonderful book.

Thanks for the recommendation - the premise reminded me immediately of Ulverton by Adam Thorpe. Very similar idea, but an English village. Again, very haunting, beautifully written.

I loved it! My favourite book of last year, I think… I’d be keen to hear recommendations for anything similar!

Am still trying to decide what I thought about the ending.
It was a bit silly, I suppose. But then the book was knowingly ridiculous at times, so perhaps it fits. While it was beautiful, sad, wistful at times, it never took itself too seriously.

I'm not sure about this one.

I've just finished The Winter Soldier by him which I really enjoyed, and I then got a sample of North Woods. I wasn't immediately intrigued, but I might persevere as like I say I liked his other book.