A young woodsman's indentured servitude in 17th-century New France ignites a multi-generational saga of humanity's complex relationship with the natural world. Rene Sel arrives in the vast forests of North America seeking land and a new life, but finds himself bound to a seigneur, enduring brutal conditions while developing a profound awe for the wilderness he is tasked with clearing. The novel follows his descendants through centuries and across continents, as their lives are shaped by the exploitation of the forests and their own struggles with greed, violence, compassion, and hope.

The novel is presented as an ambitious and masterful work, showcasing Proulx's genius in character creation. Readers are drawn into the lives of the characters, following their often brutal experiences with fierce attention. The narrative's scope, spanning centuries and continents, highlights the enduring struggles and complex relationships of the Barkskins family. The book's exploration of humanity's interaction with the natural world is a central element of its reception.