Serena
Ratings14
Average rating4
15
Ratings14
Average rating4
The year is 1929, and newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton arrive from Boston in the North Carolina mountains to create a timber empire. Serena is new to the mountains - but she soon shows herself the equal of any worker, overseeing crews, hunting rattlesnakes, even saving her husband's life in the wilderness. Yet she also learns that she will never bear a child. Serena's discovery will set in motion a course of events that will change the lives of everyone in this remote community. As the Pembertons' intense, passionate marriage starts to unravel, this riveting story of love, passion and revenge moves toward its shocking reckoning.
Reviews with the most likes.
Serena's character was compelling at first but then kind of ridiculous and less nuanced at the end. Or maybe that's just because I got to know her better and she lost her mysterious appeal! Rash's writing about the landscape and the people transported me to the Smokies, and the many depictions of the process and result of timber clearcutting just made my heart ache. Still, a great read, especially if you love NC Appalachian landscape, history and colorful characters.
