Scan barcode
A review by book_concierge
Serena by Ron Rash
5.0
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 demeanor when confronted with George’s past love life, to her taming an eagle, to turning a wounded man into her faithful servant, to orchestrating the elimination of those who get in her way, she is a woman who demands the reader’s attention. While I was sometimes horrified by her behavior, I could not help but marvel at her strength, and wonder if ANYONE would step forward to stop her.
The other characters are equally well-drawn. George is an ambitious man who had brought home the perfect companion and business partner; Serena will make him the man he wants to be. But he slowly realizes that he may have overlooked a fatal flaw. Rachel, the young woman in George’s past, proves herself to be strong and resourceful. Sheriff McDowell is a man of integrity, intelligent and steadfast; he will NOT be bought by the Pembertons, no matter the cost to him personally or professionally. Galloway is the perfect faithful sidekick to Serena; he keeps her hands (mostly) clean, while doing her dirty work.
I liked how Rash incorporated the history of the era. The push to set aside land for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the difficulties brought about by the Great Depression, and the move West by many people who had lost everything. These elements gave the novel a great sense of time and place.
Phil Gigante does a wonderful job performing the audio book. His pacing is good, and he gives each character a unique voice.
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 demeanor when confronted with George’s past love life, to her taming an eagle, to turning a wounded man into her faithful servant, to orchestrating the elimination of those who get in her way, she is a woman who demands the reader’s attention. While I was sometimes horrified by her behavior, I could not help but marvel at her strength, and wonder if ANYONE would step forward to stop her.
The other characters are equally well-drawn. George is an ambitious man who had brought home the perfect companion and business partner; Serena will make him the man he wants to be. But he slowly realizes that he may have overlooked a fatal flaw. Rachel, the young woman in George’s past, proves herself to be strong and resourceful. Sheriff McDowell is a man of integrity, intelligent and steadfast; he will NOT be bought by the Pembertons, no matter the cost to him personally or professionally. Galloway is the perfect faithful sidekick to Serena; he keeps her hands (mostly) clean, while doing her dirty work.
I liked how Rash incorporated the history of the era. The push to set aside land for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the difficulties brought about by the Great Depression, and the move West by many people who had lost everything. These elements gave the novel a great sense of time and place.
Phil Gigante does a wonderful job performing the audio book. His pacing is good, and he gives each character a unique voice.