Start off the new year exploring West Virginia’s complicated history with the coal mining industry.   This 1988 novel has become a touch stone of Appalachian Literature and the topic is worthy of study as we mark the 100^th anniversary of pivotal events in the labor movement struggle, such as the Battle of Blair Mountain. Join us for our discussion meeting Monday, January 24 at 5:30 PM at the Marion County Public Library in Conference Room A.

Annadel, West Virginia, was a small town rich in coal, farms, and close-knit families, all destroyed when the coal company came in. It stole everything it hadn't bothered to buy--land deeds, private homes, and ultimately, the souls of its men and women. Four people tell this powerful, deeply moving tale: Activist Mayor C.J. Marcum. Fierce, loveless union man Rondal Lloyd. Gutsy nurse Carrie Bishop, who loved Rondal. And lonely, Sicilian immigrant Rose Angelelli, who lost four sons to the deadly mines. They all bear witness to nearly forgotten events of history, culminating in the final, tragic Battle of Blair Mountain--when the United States Army greeted 10,000 unemployed pro-union miners with airplanes, bombs, and poison gas. It was the first crucial battle of a war that has yet to be won.

Multiple copies of the text are available in our physical collection.  An eAudiobook version is available on Hoopla, and an eBook version is available on Libby.

This event is linked to Beyond the Book Club Presentation about the Mine Wars in West Virginia scheduled on January 31 at 5:30 p.m. WVU Professor William Hal Gorby will explain what led to the Mine Wars and document the key moments that occurred from Paint Creek to Cabin Creek, Matewan, Blair Mountain, and even more local events in the Fairmont region in the 1920's. If you would like attend the presentation, please register here:  https://mcpls.libcal.com/event/8331454