Rated of 5
by Linda G. (Walnut Creek, CA) Love, Logging and Betrayal
I've been wanting to read this book since it came out, and I'm so glad I finally did! Upon starting "Serena" I found the title character a bit unbelievable and questioned whether I'd like the book. But the discovery of Serena's personality, the way the author unveils her layer by layer is part of the beauty of the book. Sure there is a multitude of evil and greedy characters, but there is also love, a mother for her child, and ultimately hope and redemption. Make sure you can read the last 50 pages in one sitting--you won't want to put it down!
Rated of 5
by Cheryl K. (East Aurora, New York) Rewarding Experience
Serena....intelligent, manipulative, diabolical...She is determined to conquer the North Carolina mountains at any cost, then to rule the the timber empire of the world. The path of destruction she and her husband, George, leave on the land and its people is unconscionable.
I began reading Serena, definitely not expecting to enjoy it. I became a part of 1929 North Carolina and the characters struggling to survive the mountains, the elements, the ghosts and their ruthless employers. Through Ron Rash's beautiful descriptions of the land and his ability to get into the souls of his characters, good and evil, I was truly captivated. What a rewarding experience to read a book you are determined not to like and finish it thinking it is one of the best novels you have ever read!
I would definitely recommend Serena to book clubs, or just as a great reading experience for anyone.
Rated of 5
by Lynn R. (Wautoma, WI) Serena
I feel that if there are people in this world (and I am sure that there are) that are this selfish and uncaring about human life, they do not need novels written about them! They not only didn't care about their workers and unknown people, they didn't care about anyone close to them.
The only part of the book that I felt had any merit was if the history was correct about the feud between the lumber barons and mine owners and the people who were instrumental in acquiring land for our National Parks. I am sure there were many people who did not agree with these purchases of land, especially during the great depression and if they took jobs away from people trying to feed their families. For two people with the egos as large as Pemberton and Serena to marry and work harmoniously for the same goals, I don't believe it. The character of Galloway in my opinion, to turn from a somewhat normal person to a completely brainwashed fool was very hard to take. The book read very easily and quickly, which I am very thankful for, because I doubt I would have finished it otherwise. I am very glad I did not spend one nickel on this book, just wasted some time.
Rated of 5
by Susan R. (Julian, NC) GOOD vs EVIL
This is the classic story of good vs evil. On the evil side is Serena - she wants to control the environment and nature. She has no remorse for cutting down trees and totally destroying the environment and the people of the NC mountains. Rachel is the good - she understands the land and is in harmony with the environment and can live off the land. One quote from the book sums it all up "Everything in the world has its natural place and if you take something out or put something in that ought not to be out or in, everything gets lopsided and out of sorts."
It was a book that I couldn't put down and I think that this would be a very good book club choice.
Rated of 5
by Susan F. (Rabun Gap, GA) Another Wonderful Read by Ron Rash
An excellent book and another wonderful read by Ron Rash. I was hooked from the first page with the colorful description of life in an early 20th Century North Carolina lumber camp, with characters larger than life. All of the elements are there of greed, corruption, murder and mayhem all in the name of power for the Pembertons, owners of the camp. Watch out if you cross them!
Serena Pemberton is a true Lady Macbeth, complete with a rattlesnake killing eagle. Although the Pembertons, Serena and George, control the novel's pace and story, I was impressed by the strength of Rachel, young mother of George's illegitimate son, in her struggle for survival. I highly recommend this fast paced, "can't put it down", book by Ron Rash.
Rated of 5
by Lee M. (Creve Coeur, Missouri) Serena
Slowly, like a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic, Rash methodically creates a tale of a logging empire in North Carolina. As the storm builds you meet two unforgettable characters, Serena and Rachel. When the winds reach gale force, get ready for the unforgettable ending!
A bold, mesmerizing novel about the woman known as "Typhoid Mary," the first known healthy carrier of typhoid fever in the burgeoning metropolis of early twentieth century New York.
Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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of 5
by Linda G. (Walnut Creek, CA) 
of 5
by Lynn R. (Wautoma, WI) 
