Facing Death: Or the Hero of Vaughan Pit; A Tale of the Coal Mines

by G.A. Henty

Facing Death is a story with a purpose. It is intended to show that a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that he will rise in life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule and hardship to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. The hero of the story is a typical British boy who, dogged, earnest, generous, and though “shamefaced” to a degree, is ready to face death in the discharge of duty. Victorian era
Wales
Main Life in a Welsh mining village

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Novels

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1882

About the author

George Alfred Henty, better known as G.A. Henty, began his storytelling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend and hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting Henty write down his stories so others could enjoy them. He did. Henty wrote approximately 144 books in addition to stories for magazines and was known as "The Prince of Story-Tellers" and "The Boy's Own Historian." One of Mr. Henty's secretaries reported that he would quickly pace back and forth in his study dictating stories as fast as the secretary could record them.

Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Tuecke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember this being one of the few G. A. Henty’s that I really, really, enjoyed. I read almost in one sitting, if I remember correctly, and still think about the story (and the lessons it teaches) to this day.

Minus a star bc I wanted him to marry her 😂🥲

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. This is an interesting, thought-provoking story of life in a colliery village in the 1850s. It showed the roughness, but not the coarseness, and I enjoyed seeing the revolution in the village, also how Jack steadily set to work to raise himself. It was inspiring and realistic, and I have always enjoyed it.

Content: There were mentions of drinking/being drunk & beating wives/children, & a hug+kiss between a young man & woman.

A Favourite Quote: As to the women of Stokebridge they were for the most part delighted with the change. Some indeed grumbled at the new-fangled ways, and complained that their daughters were getting above them, but as the lesson taught in the night-classes was that the first duty of a girl or woman was to make her home bright and happy, to bear patiently the tempers of others, to be a peacemaker and a help, to bear with children, and to respect elders, even the grumblers gave way at last.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Have you been doing this sort of work long?” Mr. Hardinge asked [Jack], pointing to the plan.
“About three or four years,” Mr. Brook said promptly.
Jack looked immensely surprised.
Mr. Brook smiled. “I noticed an extraordinary change in Williams's reports, both in the handwriting and expression. Now I understand it.”

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of Henty's very popular 19th century historical adventures about courageous young men living in difficult times marked by military conflict who rise above because of their intelligence, bravery and leadership abilities. In this case, a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that he will rise in life, and who is prepared to face toil, ridicule, hardship and even death to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed.

Set in a Welsh coal mining village, Stokebridge, in the Victorian Era, it is the story of both life in a Welsh coal mining village and Jack Simpson. He is orphaned at 2 months and taken in and raised by Bill & Jean Haden.

[Auryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave more information about the life of coal miners and their dangers. It also spoke to working hard, educating oneself, and building relationships. Jack had a lot of humility despite his education and knowledge. If one works hard, educates themselves, and builds relationships with their community, they can be successful with a little luck. Jack had a little luck by meeting the right person at the right time and the determination to see it through. Some parts were difficult to read due to the nature of the language, but as Jack educates himself, the dialogue changes with him.

[Shannon B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book still had its flaws, but I enjoyed it more than most if not all Henty books, hence the 5 stars. I listened to it cover to cover twice in 2 days. Usually I take at least 5 days to get through a new book of his, but he got things right in this one. Pacing for starters. Good balance with dialogue. No long historical rants. Character had flaws, though was perhaps a bit too humble and others a bit too quick to expose his good deeds.

[Ethan Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a rubbish ending! 😤😤😤 font that the book was particularly rousing)

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the dialect is so strong that I have to convert it to modern English so my children can understand.