I Am the House
C.B. Harper
Independently Published (2025)
ISBN: 978-9699592287
Reviewed by Diana Coyle for Reader Views (08/2026)
In I Am the House by C.B. Harper, we learn that in 1878 a house was built on Mariam’s Way on Long Island’s North Fork. The house has seen and heard many tales from the various occupants throughout the many years it has stood. There have been many characters that lived within those walls, but perhaps no character is as big or as important as the house itself at 9270 Mariam’s Way. If walls could talk, what would these walls have to tell us?
The first impression that grabbed me in wanting to read this story was that it was told from the house’s viewpoint. In C.B. Harper penning her story this way, she has created a unique vantage point. This reviewer has never read a book with the house’s unique perspective being the driving force for the entire story being told. The author penned such rich details of not only the architecture and how it has changed throughout the years, but also how each family played an integral part in the very existence of that house.
Right from the start, this story was told in such an elegant fashion; from time to time, I lost sight of the fact that the narrative was being told from the house’s viewpoint. As odd as it may sound, this reviewer forgot the fact that this was an inanimate object telling the story, and I felt the house was a character just like any of the many occupants that lived in this dwelling throughout the years.
C.B. Harper, a serial restorer-preservationist, has restored four residences, with her husband, to their original period. Throughout the years, she has been published nationally and internationally. She has also earned the distinction of being one of the nation’s finest educators in 1996.
Overall, I Am the House by C.B. Harper is a unique tale of history being told through the eyes of a historical house located on Long Island’s North Fork area. Not only is it rich in details of the characters, both human and inanimate, but readers who enjoy historical timepieces will feel they are being transported through the years by the retelling of the house’s stories of the people who lived within its frame. Well done, Ms. Harper!
At a Glance: Historical fiction told from the perspective of a Long Island house built in 1878, tracing generations of residents and the lives that unfold within its walls. The story blends domestic history, changing architecture, and a strong sense of place across time.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy: historical fiction, house as narrator, multigenerational stories, Long Island history, historic homes, stories spanning generations, architectural history, atmospheric fiction, unusual narrators
I really enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction, but I hate it when the writer strays too far from the factual framework. Definitely not a problem in C.B. Harper’s novel. She weaves a tale that draws you in, creates interesting characters, and effectively suspends your disbelief that a house can actually be the narrator. The way the house changes with its occupants and the historical events swirling around it effectively advances the narrative. No spoilers here, but a significant event toward the end of the novel is an extremely clever and effective way to drive home the importance of historic preservation, which, for me, was the real triumph of this novel. I don’t think I have ever picked up a book and found a good read that made me walk away with a new found sense of how important it is to preserve the past.
Gentle greetings, Mark, and I think I enjoyed your enthusiastic comment as much as you enjoyed my novel! It means so much to me that you respect preservation like I do. Keep on cherishing the significant past.
There is so much about this book to love and enjoy. For me, one of the main reasons I love this book is the house as the narrator. Ms.Harper did an excellent job of introducing us to, and letting us get to know the folks who lived in it during all the years of its existence. Descriptions of the things that happened in the house, to the house and how it affected the folks who lived in it are all stories unto themselves.
C.B. Harper reminds us how important history and historic preservation is. Be gentle with it. Once certain parts of our history is gone it’s gone.
Gentle greetings, Bev, and I appreciate your sensitivity to the importance of historic preservation. We’re definitely on to something essential!
I am an avid reader with an eclectic mix of genres, preferring the look and feel of real books. This brings me nicely to “I am the House”, by Catherine Harper, an historical fiction of a House, the place where it was constructed and the people who lived and interacted with it, told from the perspective of the House.
This House built in 1878 tells stories of the varied people, the evolution and development of cultures and the changes to the house, whilst retaining its own identity throughout.
I am the House is easy to follow, comprising short chapters. A story traversing nearly 150 years. The passion and research of the Author comes across in this beautifully written book, from the perspective of the house, constructed from nature’s bounty, making it comfortable in its foundations and itself. A story told and stories to come.
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, which is currently being passed around to family and friends. This book provides a new understanding of life and the fortunes and misfortunes of society and maybe makes us think more fondly about what we already have and how we can preserve it.
Gentle greetings, Robin, and how you touched my heart! I am glad you took the opportunity to write about your reflections on my novel, and especially pleased that you are sharing it with others! Writing this book was worth it just to have you read it.
I loved this book for the writing, the story, the history.
When CB Harper inserts details, they’re fascinating. I found myself slowing down my reading at times so as to absorb, with great pleasure, some of the intriguing details she offers.
Thanks to CB Harper’s writing we have this memorable story that conveys a respect for history in a unique, interesting way. I hope “I Am The House” is widely read.
Gentle greetings, Mary Ellen, and I love that you love my novel! Your hope that this novel finds a wide audience perfectly aligns with my original desire to share this story with as many people as possible. As so many of us live in houses, I counted on it resonating with a broad audience!
CB Harper’s “I Am the House” puts a new and refreshing spin on historical fiction by exploring Long Island’s North Fork history through the eyes of those who have witnessed it: the historic homes. Beginning in pre-colonial days, each concise chapter presents new residents and new tales of the region’s changes, as life adapted to challenges, upheavals, and progress. The author’s attention to detail and research never seems heavy. Rather, her narrative skills and understanding of the smallest details – from architecture to railroads, farming to fashion – brings the region fully to life. In fact, some chapters feel as if they could be expanded to become their own novels. The book reads like a Ken Burns documentary, creating a sort of time machine as the town closest to the historic homes evolves. Ultimately, “I Am the House” is a love story of history, homes, and historic preservation, brought to life by the author’s obvious passion for her subject matter. Truly, a terrific read.
Gentle greetings,Kevin, and my thanks to you for reading my novel and appreciating
the extensive research done to ensure historical accuracy, and the details that “bring the region fully to life.”
Being spoken of in the same breath as the legendary Ken Burns is the honor of a lifetime and I am profoundly humbled by your comparison.
In C.B. Harper’s, I AM THE HOUSE, one is transported thru time beginning with the Corchaug Tribe that
inhabited the land to the landowners of the 1970s on the North Fork of Long Island New York. This historical novel is written with the eyes and heart of the Human House Empath and an 1870’s home. The novel brings to life American History and how it affected the lives of those who lived on the North Fork over a span of 400 years. I loved this book from the discovery of true historical facts about the area and through the stories of the joys and struggles of the people who lived here during the many different periods of time. The author’s use of descriptive language that often sounded like poetry while telling the story made this book such a beautiful read!
Gentle greetings, Lenore, and you spread my book out on this page with the care of Martha Steward setting a holiday table: just beautiful. Thank you for your poignant reflections of the novel’s breadth.
Long after individuals come and go the work of their minds , hands and hearts endure bearing witness to an ever changing world. This book is a celebration of history and a tribute to those who embrace the stewardship of our special places.
Gentle greetings, Mary, and your words inspire me! Yes, let every reader share my “celebration of history!” I’m so glad you did!
Compelling and memorable is how I would describe Catherine Harper’s wonderful book, I Am The House. Filled with facts, historical references and enchanting characters, the books brings you back in time bringing an even greater appreciation of the customs, challenges and adventures of those who went before us. I learned so much about the history of the North Fork of Long Island in a way that drew you in and captured your desire to learn more. Job exceedingly well done!
Gentle greetings, Stella, and your generous and sincere praise makes my efforts so worthwhile. Capturing your desire to learn more is my mission as an author, and now it’s officially accomplished! Thank you!