Big Timber: A Story of the Northwest

by Bertrand W. Sinclair

"Big Timber: A Story of the Northwest" by Bertrand W. Sinclair is a novel set in the early 20th century that delves into the rugged life of logging in the Pacific Northwest. The story primarily follows Estella Benton, a young woman from a well-off background who embarks on a journey to reunite with her brother Charlie, a lumberjack. As Estella arrives in the stark and grueling environment of a logging camp, she confronts harsh realities that challenge her previous notions of society and her own identity. The opening of the novel introduces Estella Benton on her train journey to Hopyard, bringing her to a world vastly different from her sheltered upbringing. As she arrives in the logging town, she reflects on her uncertainties about the future, feeling lonely and out of place. Estella's initial impressions of the hard, rough lifestyle are coupled with observations of the men who dominate this world, including her brother Charlie, who is now deeply immersed in the demanding business of logging. Struggling with her new reality, she grapples with self-doubt and the prospect of adapting to a life filled with toil and hardships. The stage is set for her transformation as she embraces her responsibilities and navigates the complexities of a new existence amidst challenging circumstances.