In the House Upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods

Author: Matt Bell
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Lydia

There are no words to describe Matt Bell’s first book; mesmerizing, confusing, and surreal only begin to scratch the surface. Although the long title may sound pretentious, it fits with the level at which this book operates. This book cannot be just read; it must be read and re-read, savored and puzzled over.

The book contains no dialogue, and is set in a fictional place somewhere between reality and a fairy-tale. There are mythical monsters, a moon which falls out of the sky, and a woman who can sing objects into existence. It is a heartbreaking novel centered around one unnamed family—primarily the husband and wife—who long for a child but are unable to conceive one. The novel ruminates on marriage, and what happens to that union when it is based solely upon the desire for children.

While the book is complex and at times a dense read, the language is too beautiful and full of imagery too ignore. In the House Upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods is a massive undertaking, and I think Bell achieved his goal of creating a dreamlike and fantastic world. I eagerly await his next novel.