An epic two family saga that reminded me of the Kent Family Chronicles in the way that we followed the story of the families through multiple generations during the settling of North America. Rene Sel and Charles Duquet - both sent to clear land as indentured servants in “New France” in 1693. Sel works for his master - eventually marrying a Mi’kmaq woman and leading to generations of descendants who struggle to continue the Mi’kmaq ways of honoring nature while living in a world increasing with European settlers with little respect for nature, 
Duquet runs away - determined to make his way as an entrepreneur. Eventually he starts a timber mining company naming it Duke and Sons. Building a very European style business in North America - from Boston to Detroit to Chicago. 
I liked her writing style. An engaging story, although when we got to the 20th century Dukes -  after the death of Lavinia - the book started to drag. 
It’s about trees - the land - the different ways humankind honors - and destroys the land. And it’s about family. Great characters that you come to love - or hate.