Trevor Ferguson, one of Canada's most acclaimed writers, returns with, THE RIVER BURNS his long-awaited new novel. Wakefield is a small town where a unique collection of long-standing 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.