Serena in Retro Chapter Chicks

Jul 17, 2016 Brina rated it really liked it

Shelves: thriller, southern, historical-fiction

Since joining the southern literary trail group on goodreads, I have discovered many gifted authors who I normally would not have considered. It is in this regard that I was lead to the works of Ron Rash, a literature professor at Western Carolina university. Rash has won multiple awards for his novels, and I decided on Serena as the first of his novels to read.

George and Serena Pemberton are timber barons from Boston who have set up a logging camp in western North Carolina. Set in 1929 in the Since joining the southern literary trail group on goodreads, I have discovered many gifted authors who I normally would not have considered. It is in this regard that I was lead to the works of Ron Rash, a literature professor at Western Carolina university. Rash has won multiple awards for his novels, and I decided on Serena as the first of his novels to read.

George and Serena Pemberton are timber barons from Boston who have set up a logging camp in western North Carolina. Set in 1929 in the early days of the depression, the Pembertons fell trees at the expense of the fledging National Park Service who desire the land for themselves in order to leave a lasting gift for the American people. The loggers believe, however, that people need jobs more than an enduring present. This battle for the land becomes a plot that lasts for the duration of the novel.

Serena is ruthless and will not let the National Park Service or anyone else stand in the way of her dreams. Compared by many to Lady Macbeth, Serena employs a one-handed log camp worker named Galloway to murder anyone who threatens to stand between her and her ultimate goal, which is to set up a logging empire in virgin Brazilian forests. Having read Macbeth, I believe that Serena is more evil than her Shakespearean counterpart. Rash also employs a Greek chorus as loggers discuss Serena's bidding, adding to her lore in the logging camp. Her exploits astride an Arabian mare while training an eagle all the while proving equal than the male camp workers strengthen her myth. As her myth grows, so does her ruthlessness, and Rash follows this through the novel's conclusion.

Meanwhile, the one thing Serena wants but cannot have is a male heir. Prior to her arrival at the camp, George fathered a child by teenage camp waitress Rachel Harmon, and the child is his spitting image. Serena makes George choose between her and them, causing her husband to pull on his conscience. Serena becomes obsessed with seeking out Rachel and her son, creating a thrilling page turner that lasts for the last third of the novel.

I am sure that Serena will not be my last Rash novel. He has created memorable, fleshed out characters while writing strong prose that appeals to literary aficionados. Yet, Serena's character and quest also favors people who prefer thrillers. I enjoyed the balance between literary fiction and thriller as I read about depression era North Carolina, and I am extremely looking forward to reading more of Rash's books. ...more

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Jun 08, 2015 Book Concierge rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, literary-fiction, movie, audio, book-club, library, concierge, strong-women, southern-lit

Audiobook performed by Phil Gigante.

In 1929 George Pemberton brings his new wife, Serena, back from Boston to North Carolina, where they plan to make their fortune in timber. George has worked in the lumber camp before, but Serena is new to the mountains. She soon proves herself to be the savy, determined business partner George needs.

Wow … Lady MacBeth has nothing on Serena. I can’t remember when I loved reading a book about a character I disliked so much. Serena is fascinating. From the cool ...more

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Jul 06, 2024 Tasha rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, bv-2024

Rating: 4.5

Great characters but some very unlikeable, which works for me! Great sense of place, you feel like you are right in the logging woods with the teams. My second book by Ron Rash and I have plans to read a few more. ...more

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