An accurate portrayal of the most violent labor strike in the US that has been ignored. There was an all out war in the mountains of West Virginia against King Coal, the mine operators, the hired detective agencies and all else who fought against the miners and union men who wanted to be their fair due for working the mines.

The book is quite violent and told like a war story, and that is because this union strike turned into a war.

The book was well written, had some great phrases and descriptions, however my one gripe is the other side was shown as completely in the wrong with no redeeming quality. Not every person is fully evil or bad, and having a bit of humanity in portraying the other side does lend for a better read.

That said, this book returns a history that has been forgotten and needs to be remembered.

I’ve been a fan of Taylor Brown’s books ever since I read his first best-seller, Fallen, shortly after it was published in 2016. Even though I have read every book he has written since then (five in all) it has remained my favorite, until now. With las month’s release of , a fictionalized account of the largest armed uprising since the American Civil War, Brown has cemented himself as one of the leading authors of historical fiction to come out of the American South since Shelby Foote.

West Virginia’s <i> Battle of Blair Mountain</i> is also the largest and deadliest labor uprising in United States history, in which as many as 10 thousand striking coal miners fought against state police, local militias and private detectives hired by the mine owners. Although the miners held a vast advantage in numbers, the mines’ owners employed surplus gatling guns and airplanes which dropped bombs and poison gas on the strikers’ positions.* The strike finally ended when the president ordered U. S. Troops into the area to quell the <i>insurrection</i>. As many of the miners had served in the military during the Great War, they didn’t want to fire on the soldiers and most chose to surrender rather than do so. By its end, more than 100 people on both sides were killed, mostly miners.

Brown did an excellent job of breathing life into the actual historical characters such as Mary <i>Mother</i> Jones, UMW president Bill Blizzard, Logan County Sheriff Don Chafin, and Smilin’ Sid Hatfield (yes, one of <i>those Hatfields</i>), but his portrayal of his more-or-less fictional characters was magnificent. In most cases, he cobbled together bits and pieces of several actual participants into a single heroic entity such as that of ‘Big Frank Hugham’ who survived an attempted murder by Baldwin-Felts Detective and went on the become a leading figure in the battle. My favorite character, though, was Doctor Domit ‘<i>Moo</i>’ Muhanna, an immigrant doctor whose dedication to the Hippocratic Oath took him into the worst of the fighting to treat combatants on both sides. This character was based on Brown’s own grandfather, whose story bears striking similarities to his fictional counterpart.

Until Franklin Roosevelt signed the National Recovery Act in 1933, stories involving labor movements rarely had happy endings. Not only did the mine and factory owners control the money, the weapons and the politicians, they also controlled what the rest of us heard about such movements. Had we lived back then, we would not have been reading stories sympathetic to them or their cause. Brown portrays this brilliantly when he describes how censors handled a story that a reporter had risked his life to get.<blockquote>“Cut this,” he said, setting the paper on the table, striking a sentence with his thumbnail, hard enough to leave a crease: <i>Gaunt-faced women, barefooted and expressionless watched the troops pass. Some of them waved half-heartedly.</i>
“No sob stuff for these Rednecks,” he said. He went on cutting and deleting, killing more lines, turning images into ghosts. People who once existed in the story were cut out. They disappeared between the lines, into the margins, like they’d never been.
Sparkes ground his teeth. He’d followed the American Expeditionary Force across Europe in the Great War, working on the bloody edge of the campaign, and never faced such a knife. The man before him seemed so sure of himself, so certain of his rightness. “No patriotic stuff from these people,” he said, cutting another line.
“You seem pretty cavalier about this, Major. You’re cutting awfully close with the United States Constitution right now, don’t you think?”
Bad Tony raised one eye at him. “All that time on the front lines, writing your stories, and you ain’t learned how it works yet. <i>’Tis the victor who writes the history—”
“And counts the dead.</i> Yes, I know the quote.”</blockquote>Bottom line: I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you are thinking about reading this, stop thinking and start reading.



* The book’s characters claimed that this was the first time that American’s had subjected other Americans to aerial bombardment in the United States, but this is incorrect. Three months previously, bombs were dropped on the Greenwood District during the Tulsa Race Massacre in Oklahoma. It’s highly unlikely that anyone in West Virginia would have known that, though, so the author can be forgiven.

Quotations are cited from an advanced reading copy and may not be the same as appears in the final published edition. The review was based on an advanced reading copy obtained at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. While this does take any ‘not worth what I paid for it’ statements out of my review, it otherwise has no impact on the content of my review.

FYI: On a 5-point scale I assign stars based on my assessment of what the book needs in the way of improvements:
*5 Stars – Nothing at all. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
*4 Stars – It could stand for a few tweaks here and there but it’s pretty good as it is.
*3 Stars – A solid C grade. Some serious rewriting would be needed in order for this book to be considered great or memorable.
*2 Stars – This book needs a lot of work. A good start would be to change the plot, the character development, the writing style and the ending.
*1 Star – The only thing that would improve this book is a good bonfire.

With an overall length of under 330 pages, Rednecks is packed with history. A history that not many people are familiar with. I had never heard of the West Virginia Mine Wars until this book. Brown did his research and brought real-life characters to the story along with well-crafted fictional characters.

The way the story is written, you will feel yourself invested in it and cheer for the miners. All they wanted was the right to have a life—is that too much to ask? These men came from all walks of life, trying to make way for themselves and their families. They were promised the sun, the moon, and the stars and found themselves living in horror. And many of these men weren’t men but young boys trying to help their families survive.

After reading Rednecks, I have a better understanding of the term redneck. As someone who spent their formative years in the South, I never truly understood the word. I always assumed it was an insult and not a name someone wanted to be called. Now, I know better! I will hold my head high when someone uses that word to describe me!

Who do I feel should read Rednecks? Everyone, especially if they are interested in American history. Or even if they are curious about the rise and fall of labor organizations. Rednecks will make you stop and think about what our ancestors went through to survive.

Amazing writing about a horrific incident and lifestyle. There is definitely some kindness which helps balance. I had a difficult time envisioning myself in this setting but that is another testament to the quality of writing. It’s always worthwhile to learn about history which I wasn’t previously aware. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

good mystery and i loved the friends too. I really enjoyed the romance and how it solved . I also loved reading this author. Really enjoyed her friends. Great book.

This historical fiction is set in 1920/21 an chronicles the real Battle of Blair Mountain, which was between the coal mines and the miners who were trying to improve the horrible conditions and unionize. The author has included real people and other characters inspired by real people. It is a very educational read but suffers a little due to the need to keep true to the real story and the number of characters. It is, however, a fascinating, albeit violent, story and one that is worthy of your time. 3.75/5

See full review in the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution"

The fight to unionize America’s coal industry culminated in a cataclysmic clash in 1921 between 10,000 Appalachian coal miners and 3,000 law enforcement and civilian coal supporters. The Battle of Blair Mountain is still ranked as both the largest armed uprising since the Civil War and the largest labor revolt in U.S. history. This tumultuous time period is brought to vibrant, palpable life in “Rednecks,” Savannah author Taylor Brown’s propulsive work of historical fiction that vividly re-imagines this stormy slice of history...

https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/coal-miners-fight-for-their-rights-in-atlanta-authors-historical-novel-rednecks/A4RTNA7XNVDUNFU4ACYS4DUXO4/

The West Virginia-Kentucky border has been home to volatile events from the Hatfields and McCoy Feud through coal Mining and the beginning of unions. This story is set during the later, with miners caught in the middle of a reckless job, violent union conflicts and poverty. Fraught with violence that rivals the Wild West, Rednecks delves into the lives of these characters and their plight for safe working and living conditions amidst racism and poverty-ism. Interesting and at times confounding, the plot moves through these events with heart wrenching detail and a need for triumph.

What a fascinating read about the struggles of the 1920s coal miners. It was eye opening of the physical and mental struggles they went through to fight for basic protection and rights. I always appreciate a novel that makes me want to learn more about history. This was also a beautiful story of friendship and the power of a community coming together.
Thank you for the advanced reader copy. It was one I won’t forget.

I was blown away by this story! Growing up in the south I have heard bits and pieces about this part of our history, but had no idea the scoop until I read this book. I highly recommend reading this. You will be furious, heartbroken, and inspired.

This was a very interesting retelling of a part of American history that I had no previous knowledge off. Rednecks is the story of the Battle of Blair Mountain between unionized Miners and Mine owners, state militia and the American Government in the largest labour uprising in American history.

The story was beautifully told by Brown and I really enjoyed a number of the characters. I found it a bit hard to follow at times as the author seemed to get a bit bogged down in details.

If you are interested in American history, give this one a read.

This novel offers a breathtaking portrayal of the early 20th-century struggles of West Virginia coal miners as they fought to unionize and secure their basic dignity and independence from mining companies. The story captivates with its stunning beauty and harrowing realities. Though fictional, the author’s meticulous research into the labor battles and real-life figures shines through in every character. It's a period of time that I previously knew nothing about and it peaked my interested to learn more. I recommend this book to people who like historical fiction.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Rednecks” by Taylor Brown is a poignant and evocative novel that transports readers to the heart of the American labor movement, specifically the Battle of Blair Mountain. Brown’s narrative is a masterful blend of historical fact and rich, imaginative storytelling that resurrects the voices of those who fought valiantly for workers’ rights in the coal mines of West Virginia.

The novel’s strength lies in its characters, particularly “Doc Moo” Muhanna, a Lebanese-American doctor whose compassion and dedication to the miners’ cause is as deep as the mines they toil in. Frank Hugham, a Black World War One veteran, and his grandmother, Beulah, are the embodiment of resilience and the human spirit’s unyielding desire for justice.

Brown’s prose is as rugged and powerful as the Appalachian landscape, with a narrative that is both intimate and grand in scope. He captures the essence of a time when the term “redneck” was redefined, not as a derogatory label, but as a badge of honor worn by those who dared to stand up against oppression.

“Rednecks” is more than just a historical novel; it is a timely reminder of the ongoing struggles for labor rights and equality. It is a story of unexpected friendships, heroism in the face of injustice, and the power of love and community against all odds. Taylor Brown has not only penned a compelling tale of America’s past but has also shone a light on the issues that continue to resonate today.

In conclusion, “Rednecks” is a must-read for anyone interested in the roots of American labor unions and the sacrifices made by those who paved the way for the rights we often take for granted. Brown’s storytelling is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the past and a call to remember the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. A truly exceptional piece of literature that is both a century old and blisteringly contemporary.

As the great-granddaughter of a coal miner, I read this book with interest. I knew about the many clashes between the miners and the coal barons. I knew about the harsh working conditions and living conditions that the coal miners and their families suffered. I knew about the dangers of the job. I knew that those trying to unite were blacklisted. I did not know anything about the Battle of Blair Mountain.

This book is well researched, and is a story that should be told lest we forget the struggles that our forefathers overcame for a safe and fair work place. The Battle of Blair Mountain is an eye opener as to how far King Coal (the barons, czars) would go to undermine (no pun intended) miners and their families.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review Rednecks on NetGalley.

Published: 05/14/24

Stars: 4

First time reading about coal mining. I enjoyed the historical experience. The times were as dirty as all other periods of history that I've read or studied. I would like to reread to achieve fully the author's intent. Brown did a lot of research. I was caught up in the story and wonder how much history did I miss.

The characters are a mixed bag and sometimes confused me. However, I think it was the times and the need to survive.

These are coal miners, mountain men, union men: there is profanity.

The union henchmen sent in with orders versus the local miners and their families bring a lot of pain and suffering.

I was able to feel for most of the characters. However, I still don't fully understand Doc.

I recommend this.

In a sometimes disturbing but absorbing story, Taylor Brown tells the tale of an uprising of coal miners who became known as rednecks. The working conditions and total disregard for the miners’ safety led to the formation of a union. Hired by the mines’ owners, private security firms were used to evict miners who joined from their company owned homes. In May of 1920 the Baldwin-Felts agency came to Matewan, WV to evict the miners, which led to a shoot-out, killing the mayor as well as one of the Felts brothers. The miners moved to a tent city where they faced food shortages and squalid conditions. It was just the beginning of what would become an all out war. Sid Hatfield, Matewan’s sheriff, supported the miners and had their respect. When he was gunned down on the steps of a court house, miners from all over gathered in Marmet, donning the red bandana that would give them their name. The violence continued to escalate until the army was finally called in to end the rebellion.

Brown’s story is filled with memorable figures. Mary Harris Jones, known as Mother Jones, spoke in support of the Union and rallied the miners. She considered every one of them to be her boys. Doctor Muhanna, called Dr. Moo, was respected by the people of Matewan and would treat anyone of either side. Having witnessed the conditions in the tent city and the treatment of the miners, his conscience forced him to take a stand. Big Frank, warned by his grandmother, Miss Beulah, to always be careful, was randomly arrested and almost beaten to death. Saved by Dr. Moo, he realized that it was war between the miners and owners. He used his experiences in the war to help train the armed miners. This was an important event in American history that led to Americans’ rights to join a union. Brown brings the story to life in a way that will stay with the reader long after the last page. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this book.

I missed the part where this novel was a Western. I know that should have been obvious from the title and cover, but... as a Southern Appalachian myself, I thought I would enjoy it. Unfortunately, even after trying to re-read the first five chapters, I just couldn't get into it. That being said, I think patrons in our library who enjoy Westerns will absolutely love it! And the 4.18 star rating on goodreads further proves that the book is fantastic for its genre, just not for me.

Previously I had read [book:Gods of Howl Mountain|34964885] by Taylor Brown and I enjoyed it, so I was glad to have the opportunity to sample another of his works. The title caught my attention first and made me want to investigate.

Description:
A historical drama based on the Battle of Blair Mountain, pitting a multi-ethnic army of 10,000 coal miners against mine owners, state militia, and the United States government in the largest labor uprising in American history.

Rednecks is a tour de force, big canvas historical novel that dramatizes the 1920 to 1921 events of the West Virginia Mine Wars—from the Matewan Massacre through the Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest armed conflict on American soil since the Civil War, when some one million rounds were fired, bombs were dropped on Appalachia, and the term “redneck” would come to have an unexpected origin story.

Brimming with the high stakes drama of America’s buried history, Rednecks tells a powerful story of rebellion against oppression. In a land where the coal companies use violence and intimidation to keep miners from organizing, “Doc Moo" Muhanna, a Lebanese-American doctor (inspired by the author’s own great-grandfather), toils amid the blood and injustice of the mining camps. When Frank Hugham, a Black World War One veteran and coal miner, takes dramatic steps to lead a miners' revolt with a band of fellow veterans, Doc Moo risks his life and career to treat sick and wounded miners, while Frank's grandmother, Beulah, fights her own battle to save her home and grandson. Real-life historical figures burn bright among the hills: the fiery Mother Jones, an Irish-born labor organizer once known as "The Most Dangerous Woman in America," struggles to maintain the ear of the miners ("her boys") amid the tide of rebellion, while the sharp-shooting police chief "Smilin" Sid Hatfield dares to stand up to the "gun thugs" of the coal companies, becoming a folk hero of the mine wars.

Award-winning novelist Taylor Brown brings to life one of the most compelling events in 20th century American history, reminding us of the hard-won origins of today's unions. Rednecks is a propulsive, character-driven tale that’s both a century old and blisteringly contemporary: a story of unexpected friendship, heroism in the face of injustice, and the power of love and community against all odds.

My Thoughts:
This is historical fiction at its best. There is a great deal of this book that actually happened and Brown has masterfully provided fictional details which still allow for the true story to come through. The plight of the coal miners is heart-breaking. They were such an underdog group fighting for better working conditions against nearly insurmountable obstacles put up by the mine owners and their brutes. The battle was fierce, but Brown made you feel the fierce determination of the coal miners as they doggedly fought for their very survival. This really opened my eyes to the conditions in those coal mines and how the workers were living. I would recommend it to anyone who likes history or wants to know more about the past in the appalachian mines of West Virginia and Kentucky.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Buckle up, folks, because Taylor Brown's "Rednecks" is a gut punch of a book that'll leave you wanting to cheer and cry in equal measure. Brown takes a slice of buried American history – the brutal West Virginia Mine Wars – and injects it with fictional characters that feel realer than real.

This ain't your typical history lesson. Brown weaves facts about the miners' plight – the company greed, the deadly working conditions, the fight for basic rights – into a story that feels like you're right there in the trenches with them. You meet Doc Moo, a Lebanese-American doctor caught in the crossfire, tending to the sick and injured with grit and compassion. Then there's Big Frank, a miner with a heart as big as his calloused hands, fighting for his family and his community.

Brown doesn't shy away from the harsh realities. The violence is raw, the desperation palpable. But through it all, there's this unwavering spirit, this fierce love for family and home that shines through. You see it in the way the miners band together, in the mountain music that carries their defiance, in the resilience of the women who hold things together when the world seems to be falling apart.

"Rednecks" is a historical fiction masterpiece. It's a story about the forgotten heroes of the working class, a testament to the enduring human spirit, and a reminder of the battles fought for the rights we often take for granted today. You might need a box of tissues nearby, but trust me, this is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review

Rednecks is a historical novel based on the events that occurred in Matewan and culminated in a labor war at Blair Mountain, West Virginia during 1920-1921. Taylor Brown work is a slow burn that slowly engulfs the reader.

Rednecks is told from several points of view, from Dr. Moo, the immigrant doctor trying his best to treat patients on both sides of the conflict, to Frank Hugham, a black miner at the head of the revolution, and his aged mother-figure, Beulah, and even Sid Hatfield (of Hatfield and McCoy fame). All perspectives are explored and, although a reader will automatically side with the rednecks, Brown offers an honest depiction of both sides of the conflict, focusing on the human component.


My thanks to NetGalley, author Taylor Brown, and publisher St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.