Coal River: A Powerful and Unforgettable Story of 20th Century Injustice - Softcover

Ellen Marie Wiseman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1617734470 ISBN 13: 9781617734472

Publisher: Kensington Publishing, 2016

Synopsis

In this vibrant new historical novel, the acclaimed author of "The Plum "Tree and "What She Left Behind "explores one young woman's determination to put an end to child labor in a Pennsylvania mining town. . . As a child, Emma Malloy left isolated Coal River, Pennsylvania, vowing never to return. Now, orphaned and penniless at nineteen, she accepts a train ticket from her aunt and uncle and travels back to the rough-hewn community. Treated like a servant by her relatives, Emma works for free in the company store. There, miners and their impoverished families must pay inflated prices for food, clothing, and tools, while those who owe money are turned away to starve. Most heartrending of all are the breaker boys Emma sees around the village--young children who toil all day sorting coal amid treacherous machinery. Their soot-stained faces remind Emma of the little brother she lost long ago, and she begins leaving stolen food on families' doorsteps, and marking the miners' bills as paid. Though Emma's actions draw ire from the mine owner and police captain, they lead to an alliance with a charismatic miner who offers to help her expose the truth. And as the lines blur between what is legal and what is just, Emma must risk everything to follow her conscience. An emotional, compelling novel that rings with authenticity--"Coal River " is a deft and honest portrait of resilience in the face of hardship, and of the simple acts of courage that can change everything.

About this title

About the Author:

Ellen Marie Wiseman wasborn and raised in Three Mile Bay, a tiny hamlet in Northern New York. Ellenlives on the shores of Lake Ontario with her husband, two spoiled Shih-Tzus, and a rescued yellow lab. Sheloves to cook, travel, garden, watch movies, and spend time with her childrenand grandchildren. For more visit: www.ellenmariewiseman.com."

About this edition

• Publisher: Kensington Publishing
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1617734470
• ISBN 13: 9781617734472
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304