North Woods

Bookseller recommendation

“Set in the North Woods of Massachusetts over centuries, this book is told through letters, poetry, historical entries, amorous bugs, and (my favorite) a true crime blogger. Daniel Manson skilfully ties his chapters together to create a beautiful, sometimes gut-wrenching, always tender love story of place. ”

— Melanie • The Well-Read Moose

Bookseller recommendation

“North Woods is a novel about a house, its inhabitants, and the land over four centuries set in the hills of western Massachusetts. A gorgeous, layered tapestry in which the house and the woods play into the lives of those who live there.”

— Fran Keilty • The Hickory Stick Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“North Woods left me in awe. Daniel Mason makes the simple concept of a single house over time into a thought provoking and enrapturing book. He is able to create depth in transient characters – those who once existed, do exist, and will continue to exist – within a setting that endures and is ever-changing. By the end of the book, it’s hard not to believe that there is enchantment at work in the world. 'One believes the world is enchanted or one does not'. Even the smallest beetle has an impactful story to tell. ”

— Emma • Content

Bookseller recommendation

“A fascinating and, at times, mysterious story of place that provokes questions about change, loss, and what lingers on. North Woods gives the reader the impossible ability to experience history across multiple lifetimes. The audiobook version is a particular delight with a talented and wide-ranging cast who enliven the story. ”

— Carrie • Stay Gold Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Truly magnificent & spellbinding. This epic tale follows a single house in a New England forest. You meet its inhabitants over the centuries, learning about their lives & the fate of the home through journal entries, letters, newspaper articles, and even a hallucinatory dream sequence. A book like no other, I can’t stop thinking about it. My favorite book in years. ”

— Amanda • Bethany Beach Books

Bookseller recommendation

“North Woods is an extraordinary tale told in an extraordinary voice. The history of one home in the wilds of Massachusetts through generations of inhabitants from a Puritan couple to a modern-day professor. The story is told by the living, the dead, and even some lovelorn beetles. The cast narration (Simon Vance and Mark Bramhill are two favorites) gives perfect voice to this remarkable work. ”

— Claire • Honest Dog Books

Bookseller recommendation

“It is a rare thing to find a book i consider both literary and delightful, but North Woods is both and an amazing listen to boot. If you’re headed on a long solo trip or just searching for tale that will envelop you in its loveliness, this is the one. ”

— Angie • The Country Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“It's hard to imagine what could be more lovely than this sprawling, constantly evolving, richly textured story of a place in the American Northeast, unless it's Mark Bramhall's gentle and kindly narration of the audio version, supported by an ensemble sharing the odd snippets grafted on to the greater story, in voices ranging from jolly to prim to effusive to hilariously newscaster-like. If you loved the audiobook production of Richard Powers' Overstory or of David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas, you will find yourself entirely at home in the yellow house in The North Woods. ”

— Nialle • The Haunted Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“'If these walls could talk' springs to life in this story of a house that becomes a home to many throughout history. It's also the story of our home and the less than stellar care we've provided over the centuries. In memorable prose North Woods shows our connection with nature and how we live on when we depart this mortal coil. ”

— Mary • House of Books

Bookseller recommendation

“North Woods is a phenomenal novel that I’ll be thinking about for a long time to come. Daniel Mason’s tells the story of a single plot of land in western Massachusetts over the span of centuries, through the eyes of its many varied inhabitants, and the ways that their choices reverberate — one might say haunt even — throughout the ages. Equal parts Richard Powers and Edgar Allan Poe, Daniel Mason delivers a unique and compelling storytelling experience. ”

— Josh • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book reminds me of a puzzle, with each chapter, character, and relationship adding a piece to the whole beautiful picture. However, I did have to pause and search where the puzzle pieces fit. I enjoyed the imagery Daniel Mason creates; I could see the scene come together before me as if painted on a canvas. The narration lends to the generational transitions throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it, especially because it does have some lyrical parts that are "meant" to be listened to in my opinion. I recommend this book to anyone who has an enthusiasm for nature, American history, and adventure. ”

— Janie • Stone Soup Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Wow, Daniel Mason can WRITE. A truly masterful story of one house, one orchard, one forest over the American centuries. A feast of descriptions of the natural world paired with poignant character sketches. I started with the ensemble cast on Libro.fm audio (incredible) and finished by reading the actual book - pick your method; both are amazing.”

— Elese • Flyleaf Books