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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I didn’t love this book by MDR for the same reasons I loved, say, the Sparrow, but because of the historical significance and setting of the story. In Calumet, Michigan, in 1913, this true life character Annie Clements, did in reality, organize and lead a strike against the C&H copper company. I saw a complete museum based exhibit of the time when we were on vacation in the Keweenaw.
Confirming the bones, as well as the details, of the story, MDR then places the characters into the story with a competence that while admirable and emotion provoking, does not match the depth of her more complex fictional characters in her other writing.
That didn’t matter to me in this instance as I walked the streets where these people marched, toured the mines where they toiled, and visited the site of the mass death of children at the Christmas Eve party at the Italian Hall.
Having relatives that died in the coal mines of WVA is also in my own family history, so there’s an indelible mark in my mind and heart and I will always remember this story.
Confirming the bones, as well as the details, of the story, MDR then places the characters into the story with a competence that while admirable and emotion provoking, does not match the depth of her more complex fictional characters in her other writing.
That didn’t matter to me in this instance as I walked the streets where these people marched, toured the mines where they toiled, and visited the site of the mass death of children at the Christmas Eve party at the Italian Hall.
Having relatives that died in the coal mines of WVA is also in my own family history, so there’s an indelible mark in my mind and heart and I will always remember this story.
The history is interesting but the characters/invented plot lines were pretty predictable/boring and some parts were repetitive. I don't know why there was a Romeo and Juliet quote at the beginning of each chapter. This did make me interested in reading more about the history of the region though.
Also, I was able to get over it, but the audiobook narrator mispronounced some Michigan-specific words, like Houghton, pasty, and Calumet (and I think there were a couple of other words). It was a little distracting at first.
Also, I was able to get over it, but the audiobook narrator mispronounced some Michigan-specific words, like Houghton, pasty, and Calumet (and I think there were a couple of other words). It was a little distracting at first.
[b:The Women of the Copper Country|42201959|The Women of the Copper Country|Mary Doria Russell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1563099546l/42201959._SY75_.jpg|65814455] is a fine example of historical fiction from one of my favorite authors. Both the framework of the historical setting and the emotions of the labor movement are realistically portrayed within a fictional context. Mary Doria Russell’s imagination coupled with thorough research brings the mining community to life within a story that has many gripping scenes including one that literally had me holding my breath! With a female protagonist, Annie Clements, leading the strike effort, women’s rights come into play as well. I listened to this book and the narration was excellent. I highly recommend the book to all, but especially to those interested in labor rights.
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5 stars rounded up. A fiction but very historically accurate account of the copper mine strike in Calumet, MI. This was a piece of Michigan history I had never heard about and was very interesting. Big Annie is an awesome heroine.
Ms. Doria does a fantastic fictional accounting of one of the first women-led strikes in the copper mines in Michigan, and though we do have a single lead, we get to see the struggle for the union reflected through the various people in the town, in individual chapters. Even though the strike wasn't successful, you do get to feel vindictive towards the mine owners, and still feel hope for the future. Solid historical fiction read from the library.
4.5 stars
Reading my way through the decades - as if that's possible! During January 2022, it's the 1910s.
1913 to be specific - Calumet, Michigan - a tale of the copper mine strike and the Women that wanted more for the future
Such engaging characters! I found my distaste for the mine administrator grow with every page on which he appeared. And that is all the text I will waste on him. But the ladies - It would have been hard enough to live in a mining town. How did they find the strength to constantly lose love ones and then persevere throughout the 9 months of the strike? Annie seems like a magical heroine but these women existed!
Mary Doria Russell won me over quite quickly. As soon as I finished, I wanted to know more.
Reading my way through the decades - as if that's possible! During January 2022, it's the 1910s.
1913 to be specific - Calumet, Michigan - a tale of the copper mine strike and the Women that wanted more for the future
Such engaging characters! I found my distaste for the mine administrator grow with every page on which he appeared. And that is all the text I will waste on him. But the ladies - It would have been hard enough to live in a mining town. How did they find the strength to constantly lose love ones and then persevere throughout the 9 months of the strike? Annie seems like a magical heroine but these women existed!
Mary Doria Russell won me over quite quickly. As soon as I finished, I wanted to know more.
Had no idea the Italian Hall disaster had such a history! Glad to have this read, though it was a sobering experience of poorly treated people.
(Again, I read the audio for this one, and several of the pronunciations were definitely not a match to how people in the area pronounce things (e. g,. 'Houghton' and 'pasty') today; in early C20, were those words really pronounced the way they're said on the audio?
(Again, I read the audio for this one, and several of the pronunciations were definitely not a match to how people in the area pronounce things (e. g,. 'Houghton' and 'pasty') today; in early C20, were those words really pronounced the way they're said on the audio?
Russell is always a good read, and I think historical fiction is her sweet spot. An impeccable researcher and engaging writer make for strong storytelling.