Helpful Score: 1
A disturbing story taking place in a coal mining town in the early 1900's. It was hard to read about the men who work the mines especially about boys as young as 6 working in the extremely dangerous breakers. Their job was to separate impurities from coal by hand without gloves.
It is also the heartbreaking story of Emma who takes it upon herself to bring the atrocities of the mine owners to the attention of the country by writing to the NY Times. .Emma's story is tragic and hard to read.
It is not a happy book, you will not crack a smile while reading it, one can only cry. The ending is as satisfactory as it could be.
It is also the heartbreaking story of Emma who takes it upon herself to bring the atrocities of the mine owners to the attention of the country by writing to the NY Times. .Emma's story is tragic and hard to read.
It is not a happy book, you will not crack a smile while reading it, one can only cry. The ending is as satisfactory as it could be.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book! Remember the old Tennessee Ernie Ford song "Sixteen Tons"? This town and the characters are living that song. Throw in a touch of "Ghost Story" and our protagonist takes on some dangerous risks to save the children and their families.