A stunning novel of a house and its transient occupants

 

 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ I love comparing and contrasting book jackets for different regions. Here, in the UK, we have a portrait of one of the lovely Osgood girls holding an apple. This drew me in straight away. In the US it seems to be a catamount lounging on the ground. So sorry for you guys in the new world, that's not enticing in the least. It seems a poor choice given the wide scope of this beautifully glorious novel.

In North Woods we travel through time centred on a humble wood cabin built by early settlers in New England's wilderness. Over time the cabin is added to as people come and go and events unfold within and beyond its walls. Inhabitants take a backseat to the wondrous nature of the grounds this home dwells upon and the transformation it endures with the passing of time. Written in such a beautiful way, each new owner or occupant shares a glimpse into their life, and the time in which they live, and their impact upon the house. I ate North Woods up. It was written with exquisite language reflective of the time of each chapter. Almost like linked short stories, this is a beautifully constructed novel and I will happily recommend to all and sundry. This is one of the most rich novels I have read all year. Lovely in all regards.