by Ron Rash
First published 2008
George and Serena Pemberton arrive in the North Carolina mountains in 1929 with plans to build a timber empire. George has already fathered an illegitimate child during his time at the logging camp, but Serena quickly proves herself in this rough wilderness. She manages work crews, hunts rattlesnakes, and saves George's life. The couple eliminates anyone who stands in their way. When Serena discovers she cannot have children, she decides to kill George's illegitimate son. The mother and child flee for their lives. Serena begins to suspect George is secretly helping his former lover and their child. Her suspicions drive a wedge between the married couple. Their passionate relationship fractures as Serena's jealousy and rage consume her. The story builds toward a violent confrontation that will determine who survives. This tale explores how love can transform into betrayal when ambition and jealousy take control.
Genres: literary-fiction, american-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: North Carolina
Period: 1929
371 pages · Hardcover · Ecco
Content warnings: violence