Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Preview: Serena – A Novel by Ron Rash

9780061470851 9780061470844

I subscribe to a great book review site, that I recommend, called Bookbrowse.com. It’s not a free site but the fee is nominal. I believe it is 9 dollars every three months, which is $3.33 per month. Among other things they have in depth reviews, author interviews, and extra information and links regarding the subjects that are related to the book – historical information, subjects related to the book are given in depth explanations, and also author info; all in a box to the side of the publisher's blurb and misc reviews. They have a program where you can request books, but are required to post your thoughts to the site once they send you a copy. They have a definitive amount to give away so you are not guaranteed a book. I requested this book and they have sent me and copy of the hardback. Apparently the softbound will be released next month. The above pics are of the hardback and the soft back from left to right. I prefer the softbound cover.

I also have a reliable friend on Goodreads whom gave the book five stars, so I am looking forward to reading this book.

Hardcover Book Stats are from Goodreads:

October 1st 2008 by Ecco

Hardcover, 371 pages

ISBN 0061470856    (isbn13: 9780061470851)

Here is the Publisher's Book Description:

The year is 1929, and newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton travel from Boston to the North Carolina mountains where they plan to create a timber empire. Although George has already lived in the camp long enough to father an illegitimate child, Serena is new to the mountains—but she soon shows herself to be the equal of any man, overseeing crews, hunting rattle-snakes, even saving her husband's life in the wilderness. Together this lord and lady of the woodlands ruthlessly kill or vanquish all who fall out of favor. Yet when Serena learns that she will never bear a child, she sets out to murder the son George fathered without her. Mother and child begin a struggle for their lives, and when Serena suspects George is protecting his illegitimate family, the Pembertons' intense, passionate marriage starts to unravel as the story moves toward its shocking reckoning.

Rash's masterful balance of violence and beauty yields a riveting novel that, at its core, tells of love both honored and betrayed.

About the Author from Harper Collins:

Ron Rash is the author of three prize-winning novels: One Foot in Eden, Saints at the River, and The World Made Straight; three collections of poems; and two collections of stories. A recipient of the O. Henry Prize, he holds the John Parris Chair in Appalachian Studies at Western Carolina University.

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Here is a link to read inside the book at Harper Collins – Inside Serena

Amazon links are posted below and are -  US/UK/Canada

Serena: A Novel (P.S.)/ Serena/ Serena: A Novel

10 comments:

Amanda said...

I just saw a review for this the other day, I think at CB's blog...let me check. No, I was wrong, it was at Gavin's - here: http://page247.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/serena-by-ron-rash/

SuziQoregon said...

I'm a little envious - I put my name in for this one from BookBrowse too, but didn't get it. I highly recommend his earlier book One Foot in Eden - it's just amazing. I'm glad I waited and didn't buy the hardcover of Serena - I like the other cover.

Enjoy - I'll be looking forward to reading your thoughts on this one.

Unknown said...

Amanda- Thanks I do read CB's blog - I think. I just went to Gavin's site - she gave it 5 stars. It sounds heavy from her review.

Unknown said...

SusiQ - I like soft covers better all around they are easier to carry, hold, cheaper, and yes in this example it is a much nicer cover. If I like this book I will definitely check out his other novels. Did you post a review of his other novel?

Gavin said...

Shellie- Thanks for visiting my blog. I really like Serena, but it is dark, beautiful but dark. I can't wait to see what you think of it.

SuziQoregon said...

Shellie - I did, but it doesn't really do the book (One Foot in Eden) justice - it was fairly early on in my blogging life back in 2006. I've since had both my husband and my sister-in-law read it and they both liked it a lot too.

One Foot in Eden

Unknown said...

Gavin - You too thanks for coming by and also adding me on goodreads. You have an incredible list there. :)

Unknown said...

SuziQ - Thanks for the link. Now to check it out. :)

Lisa said...

I have never heard of Bookbrowse! I have it bookmarked and can't wait to check it out! Thanks for sharing. Although my kids and husband may say.. Good Lord ANOTHER book thing to eat up your time??? :)

Unknown said...

Lisa - you can never have too many books. It's a great addiction better than so many out there - since it wont ruin your liver or kill you. :)

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