North Woods by Daniel Mason is a captivating novel that follows the lives of various individuals and non-human characters across centuries, all of whom have been connected to a single house in the woods of New England. The narrative begins with two young lovers who escape from a Puritan colony to live in a humble cabin in the woods. From there, the novel weaves together the stories of an English soldier, a pair of spinster twins, a crime reporter, a lovelorn painter, a sinister con man, a stalking panther, and a lusty beetle, among others.

Mason's highly inventive writing style brings each character's story to life, capturing their joys, fears, and struggles with exquisite detail. The novel explores the interconnectivity of history, nature, and language, and how these elements shape and influence the lives of the characters. Mason's descriptions of the natural world are particularly stunning, bringing to life the beauty and mystery of the woods.

North Woods is a novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories that span centuries, and those who appreciate the intricate connections between human and non-human lives. Mason's ability to weave together multiple storylines into a cohesive narrative is impressive, and his writing is both lyrical and poignant. The novel is a testament to the enduring power of memory, and the ways in which our lives are shaped by the past, present, and future.