A Pagan of the Hills

A mountain community in Kentucky confronts an encroaching spring flood that threatens timber rafts and forces a ragged band of volunteers to gamble with danger. An outsider timber-buyer becomes embroiled with Parson Acup and local characters as they rally men known more for daredevilry than steady toil; among them is Alexander, a person born female who has lived as a man, whose intention to ride the rafts tests local notions of gender and courage. Interwoven are human dramas—a wounded man, an anxious daughter, icy wilderness—and themes of survival, communal improvisation, and the collision of wild nature with pioneer industry.