NPR

'North Woods' is the story of a place and its inhabitants over centuries

Daniel Mason's gorgeous fifth novel tells of a yellow house deep in the woods of western Massachusetts — and its motley succession of occupants who leave their mark on the property.

Location, location, location. Daniel Mason's gorgeous fifth novel, North Woods, is the story of a place — a yellow house deep in the woods of western Massachusetts — and its motley succession of occupants, human and otherwise, who leave their mark on the property over the course of four centuries.

It all starts with a pair of young lovers who, "casting off their Puritan yokes...absconded to...their private Arcadia," Mason writes. "They had come to the spot in the freshness of June, chased from the village by its people,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Two New Novels Investigate What Makes Magic, What Is Real And Imagined
Both of these novels, Pages of Mourning and The Cemetery of Untold Stories, from an emerging writer and a long-celebrated one, respectively, walk an open road of remembering love, grief, and fate.
NPR4 min read
A Monarchy Reform Activist In Thailand Dies In Detention After A Hunger Strike
Netiporn Sanesangkhom, 28, was a member of the activist group Thaluwang, known demanding reform of the monarchy and abolition of the law that makes it illegal to defame members of the royal family.
NPR4 min read
Despite State Bans, Abortions Nationwide Are Up, Driven By Telehealth
Telehealth accounts for 19% of all abortions, new research finds. And while the number of abortions did plummet in ban states, overall abortions across the country are up.

Related Books & Audiobooks