In 1937 Arkansas, 17-year-old Marshall Bentwood longs for the day he can escape the farm he hates. His wish comes true, but at a deadly cost. Not satisfied to wait on the law, he declares his own justice on those responsible for an unspeakable act. Though he knows he has done whatas rightato try and protect whatas left of his family from retributionahe heads west. Along the way he meets destitute families, traveling minstrels, railroad abullsa and human disasters that test his fortitude, honesty and faith. Though he expects never to return home, what follows is a deadly meeting in the snowy woods of the Ridge that brings this bloody feud to a stunning conclusion. The Ridge is the story of the type of character and courage not often seen today, but exemplified by one member of what Tom Brokaw called The Greatest Generation.