Summary

Serena, by Ron Rash, is the story of Serena, an unconventional and cutthroat businesswoman, her husband, Pemberton, and their quest to dominate the 1930’s lumber industry. Serena is a story of obsessive love, greed, and the beginnings of environmental awareness in America.

As Chapter 1 begins, Pemberton has just returned from North Carolina with his new bride, Serena. The two are met on the train platform by a drunken man, Harmon, and his daughter, who is pregnant with Pemberton’s child. Pemberton’s partners, Buchanan and Wilkie, are also there to meet them. Serena is unlike most women of her time. She is sun-tanned, has short hair, and shakes hands firmly.

Serena approaches Harmon who has been watching them and Harmon says he has business with Pemberton. A group of Boston Lumber employees looks on as the encounter takes place. Harmon pulls out...