Toad with Books

Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and vibrant culture, has long served as an inspiring backdrop for literature. The Green Mountain State’s rolling hills, quaint villages, and tight-knit communities have provided a rich tapestry for authors to weave their stories. In this blog post, we’ll explore six captivating books set in Vermont that offer readers a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and unique character of this remarkable state.

A Stranger in the Kingdom

Howard Frank Mosher | 1989 | Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Howard Frank Mosher’s “A Stranger in the Kingdom” is a powerful exploration of race relations in a small Vermont town in the 1950s. The story revolves around the murder of a black minister and the subsequent tensions that arise. Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s stunning Northeast Kingdom, this novel delves into themes of prejudice, justice, and the complexities of human nature.

House Rules

Jodi Picoult | 2010 | Townshend, Vermont

A thought-provoking novel that revolves around Jacob Hunt, a teenager with Asperger’s syndrome who is passionate about forensic analysis. When Jacob becomes a suspect in a murder investigation, his mother, Emma, is faced with an agonizing moral dilemma as she tries to protect her son while seeking justice for the victim. The novel explores themes of love, understanding, and the complexities of living with autism while unraveling a gripping courtroom drama.

The Secret History

Donna Tartt | 1992 | Fictional Vermont College based on Bennington College

Donna Tartt’s mesmerizing debut novel, “The Secret History,” is partially set in Vermont. The story follows a group of eccentric classics students at a fictional Vermont college. The author’s vivid descriptions of the campus and the surrounding Vermont countryside create an atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding mystery and the students’ dark secrets.

All the Best People

Sonja Yoerg | 2017 | Waterford, Vermont

Sonja Yoerg’s “All the Best People” is a haunting and evocative novel that explores themes of mental illness, family secrets, and the enduring power of love. Set in Waterford, Vermont, the story follows the lives of several generations of women as they grapple with the dark secrets of their family’s past.

The Winter People

Jennifer McMahon| 2015 | West Hall, Vermont (Fictional Town)

This chilling thriller takes place in the fictional town of West Hall, Vermont. The story weaves together past and present as it explores supernatural mysteries, family secrets, and the eerie winter landscape of Vermont.

Midwives

Chris Bohjalian | 1997 | Rural Vermont

This gripping novel is set in a rural Vermont town and tells the story of Sibyl Danforth, a midwife who faces a legal battle after a home birth goes tragically wrong. The book explores complex moral and ethical issues against the backdrop of Vermont’s serene countryside.

Vermont’s natural beauty and distinct culture have long inspired authors to set their stories within its borders. From powerful tales of racial tension and murder to mysteries hidden beneath the veneer of small-town life, these books set in Vermont provide readers with a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. Whether you’re drawn to the state’s stunning landscapes or its complex human dynamics, these books offer a delightful literary journey through the Green Mountain State. So, grab a cozy blanket and a warm cup of apple cider and let these books transport you to the charming world of Vermont.