Now in paperback, The River Burns is the newest critically acclaimed novel from Trevor Ferguson, one of Canada’s most celebrated writers.

The River Burns tells the story of a small town in crisis, the mistakes people make, and the courage it takes to heal a community after a horrific act of destruction.

Wakefield is a small town where a unique collection of longstanding citizens has lived mostly in harmony, accepting of each other’s foibles. But underneath the picture perfect exterior a battle rages between those who wish to preserve the historic single-lane covered bridge across the river, and the loggers who want it replaced with a modern alternative. As the days pass with no change in the dispute, tensions begin to boil over, friends turn against one another, and the town seethes with potential violence.

Family man and second-generation logger Denny O’Farrell has been leading the charge to modernize the bridge. When the bureaucratic route fails to produce results, Denny and his friends need a new plan of action. But local police officer Ryan O’Farrell, Denny’s brother, is very worried about exactly how much Denny and friends are willing to risk in order to win the war. Swept up into the dispute, lawyer Raine Tara-Anne Cogshill, a newcomer hiding from her big-city past, hasn’t bargained on getting caught up in a summer of violence.

Trevor Ferguson is the author of seven novels under his own name and another three under his pseudonym, John Farrow. One of his novels became a feature film, The Timekeeper. Four of his plays have been produced, including an off-Broadway engagement and one seen by more than 22,000 patrons in a single run. He teaches creative writing at Concordia University and lives with his wife in Hudson, Quebec.

Trevor Ferguson's profile page

“The River Burns is both vintage Trevor Ferguson and an expansion of his big talent. It has story galore and drama aplenty, along with heart and soul enough to surprise even his oldest admirers.”

Charles Foran, author of Mordecai: The Life & Times

“Quite moving…The fraternal rivalry and love binding the O’Farrell brothers is especially compelling.”

National Post

“Perfect for a day trip to the Eastern Townships or a picnic by the St. Lawrence, The River Burns makes for a fast and tasty read.”

Montreal Review of Books

“Ferguson keeps you guessing almost to the very end of his fast-paced tale…A well-crafted portrait of a small town, its eccentric inhabitants, and the rebirth of a bridge.”

Quill & Quire

“Ferguson has done a super job in recreating Wakefield and populating it with a gang of believable characters trying to grapple with serious issues involving the environment, family life, and community spirit.”

Ottawa Citizen