DNF: Stopped reading at 176 out of 287 pages. Although my ARC copy from NetGalley was listed as 287 pages, the page length differed from what was indicated on Story Graph/Goodreads, despite having the same ISBN number.

I approached this book with genuine dedication, but to put it simply, it left me perplexed. From the very beginning, the novel ventured into peculiar territory. I struggled to articulate what exactly transpired in that initial chapter. The writing style was excessively ornate, resembling a stream of consciousness. However, after the first chapter, I noticed an improvement, or at least a shift that made the writing more accessible to my personal taste. Undoubtedly, there will be readers who adore this style of writing. I can envision Mason's prose receiving great acclaim within certain literary circles. For me, though, the author's writing reminded me too much of mandatory school reading. I found myself transported back to a classroom, engaged in discussions about the chapters. By the fourth chapter, it became apparent that I was not the intended audience for this book.

I yearned for a stronger narrative thread to weave through the different chapters and stories, beyond the recurring motifs of the house and the apples. The majority of chapters felt disconnected from one another, almost as if they were penned by different authors. Nevertheless, this disjointedness highlights the author's talent for employing diverse styles, allowing each chapter to possess a distinct identity.

In conclusion, this book failed to resonate with me personally, but I can envision other readers thoroughly enjoying this novel. I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for providing me with this advanced copy.