A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare is known for offering a whimsical escape, blending rustic charm with royal entanglements. Daniel Mason’s Country People presents a modern twist on this classic, drawing readers into a similar forest setting filled with lively characters and humorous situations.
The story follows Kate, a distinguished scholar of Blake and Milton, and her husband Miles, an eternal graduate student. As they move from California to a small college in Vermont, they take on a curious lifestyle change. Although not royals, these characters mirror Thomas Jefferson’s idea of an intellectual aristocracy. Upon arrival, they find themselves living rent-free in a faculty member’s home, eager to embrace the new environment.
Kate is an established academic, praised for making her classes highly engaging. Her evaluations highlight the immersive experience she offers students. In contrast, Miles, focused on Russian folklore, elicits mixed reviews suggesting his tendency to stray into arcane topics. Despite this, he’s admired for his approachability.
As the family settles in Vermont, the narrative transitions from subtle wit to playful absurdity. Miles, who is deeply interested in folklore, encounters locals with colorful beliefs about Flat-Earth and hollow-Earth theories. The area is rumored to host sprawling rat tunnels, including one under their new home. This quirky environment plays into Miles’ academic pursuits and personal intrigue.
Miles becomes captivated by the community, mingling with eccentric characters like a vivacious ski coach and a drama teacher who invites him to assist with a daring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This connection leads to comedic situations and underlines Puck’s reflection on human folly.
Mason’s narrative, sprinkled with humor and an abundance of charm, engages readers without belittling its subjects. Occasionally, the humor extends more than necessary, such as an extensive footnote listing school play attendees. Nonetheless, the novel thrives on light-heartedness and stands as a testament to the art of whimsical storytelling, providing abundant entertainment for its audience.
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