Set in the forests of California in the early 19th century, this novel tells the story of an ambitious lumberman who seeks to exploit the natural resources of the land and the people who live there. Through the eyes of different characters, Sedgwick portrays the conflicts and contradictions of American expansionism, revealing the tragic consequences of greed, prejudice, and violence. With its vivid descriptions and insightful commentary, this book is a classic of American literature and a powerful indictment of environmental destruction.

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