North Carolina Logging Camp

The majority of the novel is set at a logging camp in North Carolina during the late 1920s. The workers at the camp live in Spartan conditions, which Serena believes will make them work harder. Serena and Pemberton also live in a very simple house, which suits Serena just fine because she would rather the money be put back into the business. The land the company is logging is in the mountains and was apparently once quite beautiful as the men talk about the sweet tasting streams and the animals that once lived there. However, as the logging job progresses, all of the trees are cut down and the streams run with muddy waters. The animals all move on.

The land is the subject of contention between the Pembertons and the national park supporters. The Pembertons refuse to give up their land to become part...