The author described his novel as "mythical realism". It is a three generational family saga set in a north-west boom town founded on gold and later on lumber. It reads as if it were based partially on the author's family stories. At its best, it could be understood as how we mythologize our lives to understand life itself.

A spellbinding novel about hardship, love, triumph and sacrifice so intense, the tale turns mythical. Jeannot, the narrator’s grandfather, walked two years from Montreal into the virgin North until his dog simply refused to move further. There, he founded the village of Sawgamet, where the fury of winter defies logic, where past and present mingle, where the forest teems with magic sweet and evil. An exquisite work dense with haunting imagery that transforms even a scene of tragedy into one of unforgettable beauty.

SOME NICE BITS BUT GENERALLY TOO MUCH ALL OVER THE PLACE.

Intruiging magical family saga told in a way that someone who dislikes the word "saga" enjoyed it thoroughly. Also love the BC setting in the fictional Sawgamet. Beautiful novel for any stage in a writing career.

I loved the magic realism of this novel. A blizzard covering the whole town for an entire winter, creatures and ghosts entwined with the pain of grief, loss and the power of love and family with a hint of humor. This family saga was a great surprise for me and I loved every minute spent reading it. Great first novel for Alexi Zentner, I am looking forward to a second novel!

This book teases apart our views of death, isolation & wild places.

Wow! A great Canadian novel from a new voice.

This is an excellent story, historic mythical fiction. I feel like I fall into the pages.
If you like this try Night Circus.

amazing story telling powers.swept me away so much that i read it in one sitting!!write more pleaseeeeeeeeee