This is the story of a yellow house situated in the north woods of New England. The home first becomes a refuge for young lovers deserting a Puritan colony. It is then taken over by a British soldier who turns some of the land into an apple orchard. He bequeaths it to his identical twin daughters. And on it goes for many generations. As the years pass, the house’s owners change as well as the appearance of the house.

Anthony Marra said that what the Overstory is to trees, North Woods is to houses. This is not the type of book that will grab you immediately. Rather, one appreciates and becomes involved with the narrative slowly. Some characters and their stories may seem more interesting and exciting than others, however, North Woods is certainly a beautifully written, unique novel.