As for the history and timeline, I feel like the story starts much earlier, maybe 1630, with the young couple fleeing Plymouth Colony. It picks up 50 years later with the woman still alive, and then the first orchard started after the French and Indian War. You really have to pay attention to the clues: the slave hunter would be searching before the end of the Civil War. Also, as the book progresses, the writing style modernizes to keep with the times. (The intro chapter is very flowery and may put some readers off; the writing style changes quickly). To me the house and property are at the center of the story and "they" would have no idea what the actual year was; you need a little background in American history to have a rough idea of the time period. I thought it was wonderful!
I love what you say about the house not knowing what the year was and you are absolutely correct! It makes me love this book even more now hearing that perspective! Thanks!
My first 5 ⭐️ of the year. I enjoyed this book so much, the way Mason wove together the various stories surrounding the land. It’s definitely one I will reread in the future. Just a fabulous book!
Daniel Mason is doing an event at Strand Books in just a few days so I am holding off on buying the book until then so I can get it signed. It's a title I've been wanting to read since its release - the cover is so captivating! Happy Reading. 😎📚👍
I’m so jealous!!!! Have a great time! Also, I agree about the cover. It is everything for me! I’ll be honest and say that I bought it solely for the cover and knew very little about it. Boy am I glad my shallowness paid off that day. 😂
Thank you, Gretchen, for your lovely review. Yes, I agree, Daniel Mason is a great American author. I loved his previous books as well, especially, The Piano Tuner and The Winter Soldier.
This has been sitting in my library holds (first or close to first in line ) on freeze for a few weeks and I have been prioritizing some other books. Not sure my hesitation about this book, but I am going to unfreeze the hold today:)
Each section or narrative has hints as to the time. Puritan 1600s, French and Indian Wars first half of 1700s, Revolution, Slave hunting pre civil war, Slave Rebellion up North Civil war, reference to Anastasia's dress sleeves and Teddy Roosevelt early 1900s, lobotomy 1940s/50s, Nomad car 1950s, etc.
Sorry this one didn’t work out for you. I can completely understand you finding it confusing. That was my impression at the beginning as well. Hope your next read is a hit!!! ☺️
Sorry to hear that. It’s funny that the more I watch other reviews, the more I realize this is a very polarizing book. I really haven’t come across a lot of people that fall in the middle of enjoying it. If this one doesn’t work out for you, I hope your next read is amazing!!!
As for the history and timeline, I feel like the story starts much earlier, maybe 1630, with the young couple fleeing Plymouth Colony. It picks up 50 years later with the woman still alive, and then the first orchard started after the French and Indian War. You really have to pay attention to the clues: the slave hunter would be searching before the end of the Civil War.
Also, as the book progresses, the writing style modernizes to keep with the times. (The intro chapter is very flowery and may put some readers off; the writing style changes quickly).
To me the house and property are at the center of the story and "they" would have no idea what the actual year was; you need a little background in American history to have a rough idea of the time period.
I thought it was wonderful!
I love what you say about the house not knowing what the year was and you are absolutely correct! It makes me love this book even more now hearing that perspective! Thanks!
This was my first five star read for the year as well. I loved how seamlessly Mason switched between genres and distinct narratives, epic!
He so talented. I can’t wait to revisit his backlist and see what he comes out with in the future.
I clicked so fast when I saw this! Yaaaaay I adored this
😂 It was so good!
My first 5 ⭐️ of the year. I enjoyed this book so much, the way Mason wove together the various stories surrounding the land. It’s definitely one I will reread in the future. Just a fabulous book!
I know that I missed things along the way. A future reread sounds fantastic to me too
"Spectral" great word to describe this fantastic book. Nice review!
Thanks, Leslie! 😊
Daniel Mason is doing an event at Strand Books in just a few days so I am holding off on buying the book until then so I can get it signed. It's a title I've been wanting to read since its release - the cover is so captivating! Happy Reading. 😎📚👍
I’m so jealous!!!! Have a great time! Also, I agree about the cover. It is everything for me! I’ll be honest and say that I bought it solely for the cover and knew very little about it. Boy am I glad my shallowness paid off that day. 😂
The synopsis hooked me and I've got it on my list. Think I'll move it up to the top now!
I think you’ll enjoy it!
This was my best book of this past year. I’m glad you loved it, too.
I’ve read, and enjoyed his novel, The Winter Soldier very much, also.
Good to know! I will see if my library has that one.
Have been DYIN' to read this one!!!
It was soooo good!!!!
Thank you, Gretchen, for your lovely review. Yes, I agree, Daniel Mason is a great American author. I loved his previous books as well, especially, The Piano Tuner and The Winter Soldier.
I just started The Winter Soldier and I’m loving it so far.
Loved this book!
So glad to hear that! Its always nice to hear from someone else that appreciated it as much as I did.
It's great you liked it so much and really nice review Gretchen! I was also surprised to have liked a much hyped book.
Thanks, Julie! I am glad you enjoyed it, too.
Really love your reviews and your channel! Adding this novel to my list.
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the book when you get to it 😊
This has been sitting in my library holds (first or close to first in line ) on freeze for a few weeks and I have been prioritizing some other books. Not sure my hesitation about this book, but I am going to unfreeze the hold today:)
I hope you enjoy it
Great review! 🤩
Thank you! 😁
Sold!! I gotta bump this one up
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I just finished it and absolutely loved it. Best book I've read in a long time.
So glad to hear that! I just started reading The Winter Soldier by Mason and he is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.
Sounds like my kind of book!
Yay!
Each section or narrative has hints as to the time. Puritan 1600s, French and Indian Wars first half of 1700s, Revolution, Slave hunting pre civil war, Slave Rebellion up North Civil war, reference to Anastasia's dress sleeves and Teddy Roosevelt early 1900s, lobotomy 1940s/50s, Nomad car 1950s, etc.
You’re making me want to reread it! I feel like it’s a book that will only get better with each new read.
I just couldn’t get through it…I DNF…it was very confusing
Sorry this one didn’t work out for you. I can completely understand you finding it confusing. That was my impression at the beginning as well. Hope your next read is a hit!!! ☺️
I'm not liking it much.
Sorry to hear that. It’s funny that the more I watch other reviews, the more I realize this is a very polarizing book. I really haven’t come across a lot of people that fall in the middle of enjoying it. If this one doesn’t work out for you, I hope your next read is amazing!!!