Bluestone

by Carl Vipperman

They had a happy farm childhood, surrounded by the natural beauty of the West Virginia mountains. But for brothers Joe and Larry Collier, all it took was one tragic accident to change their lives forever. Thrown into a challenging series of events after the death of their father, the young brothers eventually make a new life for themselves—joining the ranks of the region’s thriving coal industry.

But as the Collier brothers arrive at the mines, so does a new source of tension between miners and mine owners. The union movement, armed with demands for fair pay and safe working conditions, sparks a growing desire for change—with unexpected and often destructive results.

Narrated by the older Collier brother, Joe, Bluestone is a compelling historical tale about the endurance of the human spirit and the indestructible bond between brothers. Through a historically accurate narrative filled with surprising twists and turns, it also addresses a topic that will be familiar to many modern readers—the plight of the working man.

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2015

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning about the history of the southern Appalachian coal life. I came from a mining town in PA where anthracite coal drew my grand parents here from Ireland. The story of the Collier boys reminded me in part of stories I heard from my grandfather Hugh L Campbell who had to go to work in the mines to support his family after his father died in the mines. I wished there were more - I hope for another story that follows Joe Collier after he became a new man. I also enjoyed the explanations of the different types of mining systems and I was sad to hear repeated the stories of how many mine owners cared so little for their miners.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

History comes alive

The story of the coal mines of West Virginia, and Joe & Larry Collier. The struggles of growing up in a poor family and the triumph of becoming a coal miner. Couldn't put it down