Thanks so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for giving me access to this book. Interesting book! Big book! Proulx shows us a researched look history of deforestation and destruction of native american life. I would give this novel a strong recommend if you are willing to put the energy to read the long novel.

At times, I felt I was plodding through this very thorough story of a First Nations family and a French family who came to North America. Through marriage their lives intertwined Through the story Proulx’s love for nature and Canada shine through. The novel deserves the accolades it has received, if for no other reason the detail about the lumber industry and the treatment of native peoples. Beginning in the 1600’s the multigenerational story ends in 2013. I love a big thick novel, and although this book held my interest, I didn’t find it as compelling as Michener’s Hawaii, perhaps because Proux is so adept at putting so much detail into a story.

I really wanted to like this book. It's beautifully written, as everyone told me anything by Proulx would be, but I just couldn't get into it. I would definitely recommend it for others, but it just wasn't a great read for me.

This is what historical fiction is made of - excellent research, enthralling story and characters, great writing. Barkskins spans a number of years from the early Maine and Canada settlements to the building of Chicago as an economic center of America. With 700 pages to work with, Ms. Proulx has room to grow a vast forest of characters who seek in their own way the "American Dream. The characters are so numerous, but all well developed and distinct. The settings are as primal as they get in the New World and beyond. It's an adventure book to be sure, but one that's real, fascinating, and - yes - enlightening. Well worth the investment of reading time.