The determination and power of women who literally had none in the 1900's is one of the themes in THE WOMEN OF THE COPPER COUNTRY.
Annie Clements had always been someone who helped others. Being a miner's wife she knew how they and their families could always use help in one way or another.
Because of the need, Annie banded together with the wives of the copper miners to stop the unsafe conditions in the copper mines and the deaths of loved ones by trying to get the miners to join the union.
The other and main theme was the strike called by the miners so the company would recognize the union and get better working conditions.
Annie and the other wives want the men to join the union so they can ask for shorter days and more pay for their dangerous, unhealthful work that only makes the owners of the mines rich.
We follow Annie and the families as they prepare to strike to get what they need for their families.
We get to see the personal side of this community, share in their sorrows and worries, see how they suffer at the hands of company owners who won't give into union demands, and see how they come together to help one another in times of need.
Most of the characters were easy to like and to relate to. Some were despicable.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, women's fiction, and learning about the lifestyle and hardships in the early 1900's both personal and work-wise, THE WOMEN OF THE COPPER COUNTRY will be a book you will want to read.
This book brought to light for me another not very well-known historical event about the plight of the copper miners and their families in Calumet, Michigan. All isn't pleasant especially when the strikebreakers come on the scene.
A good book always has me looking up more information about events taking place in the story line, and THE WOMEN OF THE COPPER COUNTRY is no exception.
Dr. Russell's thorough, in-depth research brought the reader into the town and homes of the Calumet families. 4/5
This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
An excellent story line and history lesson.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping.
Oh, I gave it a full 5/5 stars on my review. (I tear up every time I think about it.)
ReplyDeleteIt is a very emotional historical event with all the struggles the miners went through and especially the Christmas party.
DeleteThank you for commenting, Davida.
Oh I do like strong female characters and, of course, miners striking is a subject close to my heart.
ReplyDeleteENJOY when you read the book, Felicity Grace Terry.
DeleteThanks for stopping and for commenting.
I plan to read this as soon as I can. The author is a favorite of mine. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first book by her...excellent!!
DeleteThanks about my review, and enjoy when you read it.
Thanks for commenting, Judy.
I cried like a baby reading this book. Twice, when she quoted "Bread & Roses" and with the fire... Powerful novel.
ReplyDeleteExcellent book.
DeleteThanks for your comment, Davida.
I've not read this book but this is a story I know well as I'm from Michigan and Big Annie Clements is legendary here. The fire at the Italian Hall was tragic and the ghosts of Big Annie and the children killed in the fire are still are lively in the Calumet area. You might enjoy a fiction piece called "Red Jacket" by Richard Lassin, which draws heavily on this chapter of history.
ReplyDelete