Book Stats from Amazon:
Mini Synopsis:
A historical fiction novel set during the Great Depression in the Appalachian Mountains. Pemberton, one of the main characters, is a wealthy young logger. He meets and brings back a wife of his dreams from a visit to Boston. Her name is Serena. She is complex, brilliant, and a dark embodiment of the goddess Athena. Like a Greek God she will stop at nothing until her will is done.
Before Pemberton’s trip he has impregnated a poor mountain girl, and after returning home kills her father when he attempts to avenge his daughter’s honor. The rest of the story surrounds the Pembertons’ quest for control over the land, their decimation of the wild and beautiful forest, and the people who are as much a part of the mountains as the trees. As the story unfolds it is epic and Shakespearean in nature.
My Thoughts:
I adore a good American Historical novel. Serena is one. The novel has a wonderful flow. It has language and dialog from the era and location, as well as descriptions of the locale. It is believable yet thrilling which kept me thinking about it. The main character is an incredible, complex, and amazing woman. An embodiment of an evil Athena and one of the best dark female characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. I would compare Serena with two of my all time favorites of the genre - My Antonia by Willa Cather, and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Serena is now included it in that lofty list. All are 5 Star books for me.
For more information on this book and the author and Amazon purchasing information, please see Layers of Thought’s Preview of Serena by Ron Rash.
Thanks to Bookbrowse for sending me this novel.
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2 comments:
This book has been on my wish list for a while. Great review Shelly--so glad you enjoyed it!
Diane -
It was wonderful...loved it!
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