Though I live in a state not so far away, this is a piece of American history that I had not heard about. I have read about the horrors of mining, but not to the extent that were laid out in this historical drama novel. This book is set in the West Virginia coal mining area and is about a battle between the union supporters and the mine owners. It is well-researched and the detailed descriptions of the topography and the characters, some of which are real people, make visualizing the scenes easy. When I requested this one, I was a bit leery that it would read more like a textbook and not historical fiction. This was not the case. It is both informative and entertaining.
Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

This novel is based on the story of the largest labor uprising in American history. The 1920-1921 West Virginia Mine Wars .was the largest armed conflict on American soil since the Civil War. Coal companies used threats and violence along with abuse to try to keep their workers from unionizing. This is a story of the origins of today's unions and the hard fought battles that made the unions what they are today. Thanks @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

The little-known 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain is the vivid backdrop for Brown’s compelling story, which gives voice to the thousands of coal miners who engaged in the largest armed insurrection on American soil. Historical characters deftly grab attention one hundred years on―Matewan Police Chief, Sid Hatfield (yes, those Hatfields) ― a staunch miners’ supporter and larger-than-life figure on the page and historically, who was shot dead on the McDowell County Courthouse steps; “Mother Jones,” a relentless advocate for workers’ rights well into her eighties; and union leader Bill Blizzard.

Opening with the shoot-out in Matewan between Sid and the coal barons’ hired guns, which exploded after mass firings and evictions of miners who refused to sign company contracts forbidding unionization, Brown’s settings and language command attention. Mingo County, West Virginia, last bastion of non-union coalmines―where men with “broad backs and brutal forearms” toiled seventy hours a week underground, fought for America against Nazi oppression and returned home to enslavement of a different sort. Powerful men, yes, but powerless where it counted. With Sid’s murder, years of pent-up anger are unleashed.

Set well into the 20th century, Rednecks maintains its Western frontier feel. Readers are ankle-deep in mud in Lick Creek, the tent village where the evicted miners’ families subsist, watching as their children starve. Three fictional giants, the endlessly compassionate Lebanese Doc Moo (Muhanna), courageous Big Frank Hugham, and his grandmother, Mama B, live and breathe on the page. The novel is a searing indictment of big business, a blistering story of the illegal suppression of human rights, and a tribute to the laborers who put their lives on the line to bring about change. In a story largely lost to history, plaudits to Brown for returning it to the spotlight. Exceptional!

This is a historical novel based upon the West Virginia mine wars in the early 1920s, the largest labor uprising in U.S. history, in which the term “redneck” as we now know it came into being. The characters are well developed, particularly that of Lebanese-American doctor “Doc Moo" Muhanna, who unselfishly aided many miners during the armed conflict that occurred, and the story is definitely an interesting one — and one that I had never heard of before. Additionally, the author’s prose really makes the storyline and characters come alive. All in all, this was a very interesting read on every level.

Rednecks is full of historical detail about an important moment in US history when coal miners found themselves facing off in a violent battle against local authorities acting primarily at the behest of company owners who, in the end, are ultimately supported by the US military. Told primarily from the perspective of the miners and their supporters, we learn how the company silenced and oppressed these West Virginians for attempting to ask for safer working conditions and to unionize. Brown dives deep into nuances in the history, from the different characters representing varied and numerous perspectives to the exploration of the roots of the motivation for the miners, local business owners, and politicians. I enjoyed the character development and historical analysis. Unfortunately, I often found myself bored with the overly detailed and often redundant explanations of events, locations, and mentions of quirks and descriptions of different characters.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this work.

This is the story of coal miners trying to unionize in West Virginia in 1920/1921. The coal miners were working in hazardous conditions for extremely long hours each day but yet the owners of the mines wouldn’t budge. The struggle became known as the Battle of Blair Mountain and was the largest labor uprising since the Civil War. This is the first time I had ever heard about this piece of American South history and I found it very interesting. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I will be looking at his other works.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this excellent historical novel from Netgalley via Austin Adams, St. Martin's Press, and the author, Taylor Brown. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Rednecks of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am very pleased to recommend anything by Taylor Brown to friends and family. He gets your blood pounding and indignation at a boiling point without fail, emphasizing what makes America great by pointing out our flaws. These were not 'growing pains'. They were sins.

Rednecks is no exception. Taking place in Appalachia in 1920-1921 we are riding with the coal miners and their families as they struggle against the private army of the coal mine owners, virtual slaves to the system without recourse of any method to attain equality and a life worth living. It is hard to believe this is based on the facts of the largest labor uprising in American history, the Battle of Blair Mountain. It is hard to believe that this could happen in the U.S.. Believe it. Check out his research. It did. We have to make sure it can never happen, again.

For me, I think this book would have been a lot better written as nonfiction. The history was really interesting and something I didn't know much about, and also an important story of the oppressed rising up and getting beaten down. As a novel, though, it didn't have a central character with a development arc that I was following through—it didn't have much of a typical arc at all, and that made it really hard to get invested in. I honestly skimmed most of it because that was the only way I could get through all the many overly detailed battle scenes. I know there are people out there who would be all over this kind of story, but I just am not one of them. I need stories heavy on character, and this didn't have that. So, while I can recognize it had its merits, it really just wasn't for me.

This book hit VERY close to home for me as I have family from West Virginia and a long line of coal miners in my family history. My great-grandfather was a coal miner, just like many generations before him, and died due to black lung. This book honestly had me in tears at times just thinking about the situations that my great-grandfather went through and the fact that this was based on a true story.

I can't say enough about Taylor Brown and the feelings I had while reading this book. The execution of the characters and the retelling of this story had this book very hard to put down. The fact that not many people know that this event took place and shaped the community of such a small but vital part of America. I have no words for the emotions I felt while reading this. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, anyone that loves to read.

Rednecks (This review is from an ARC from NetGalley)
A Novel
by Taylor Brown

This is a historical drama based on the Battle of Blair Mountain. The novel
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. It consisted of 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. The coal companies used violence and intimidation to keep miners from Unionizing. One of the main characters is “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 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 (the boys) as she calls them. There are many interesting characters in this book and the author illuminates the battle scenes vividly.
Rednecks tells a powerful story of rebellion against oppression.

I love historical novels that tell true stories in wonderful storytelling ways that grab the reader and teaches them about another time and place. Taylor Brown takes us back to 1921 in the Coal mining towns of West Virginia. The coal miners were treated very badly by the coal mining companies and the miners revolted in the biggest uprising since the Civil War. They fight for unionization and better lives for all the miners. The reader gets introduced o both sides of the issues. This is a book that will have you digging around the internet for more of their stories. The book is not fast read but is a fascinating glimpse into history..

I wish to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The atrocities of the true history of the coal miners to unionize in West Virginia unfolds forcefully in this novel. The greed and disregard for life of the coal barons brings hate filled and murderous men paid to enforce unlawful retaliation on the miners. The sins of the bought courts are a blight on the land. The miners take matters into their own hands and begin a brutal and ugly fight with the coal companies. They are hoping for better days for them and their families that unionization would bring.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A fictionalized account of what took place in the 1920's set in i West Virginia. Known as the Matewan Massacre through the Battle of Blair Mountain it was the largest conflict since the Civil War. As the unions moved in to improve the work conditions and salaries of the West Virginia coal miners, mine owners would fight back, striking the miners at the heart of their protest and often sending armed men against anyone who dared to speak. After many years of suffering in the mines and rough treatment outside the mines, these workers would take a stand, fighting for a better life for themselves and their families. A well researched and well written novel, Ms. Taylor gives the readers of HF a book filled with heroism in the face of injustice, and the power of love and community against all odds. Highly recommended.

"Rednecks" by Taylor Brown earns a resounding four stars for its compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together history and fiction. Set against the backdrop of West Virginia and the Battle of Blair Mountain, the novel plunges readers into the heart of the largest labor uprising in American history. Brown's meticulous research and vivid imagination breathe life into the multi-ethnic army of 10,000 coal miners as they face off against mine owners, state militia, and the United States government.

Through richly drawn characters and gripping storytelling, Brown illuminates the complexities of this tumultuous period in American history. The struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of the miners are rendered with authenticity and empathy, making their fight for justice and dignity deeply resonate with readers. Against the backdrop of the battle-scarred hills of Appalachia, Brown crafts a riveting historical drama that captures the spirit of resilience and solidarity in the face of overwhelming odds.

"Rednecks" is more than just a retelling of a pivotal moment in labor history—it is a testament to the power of ordinary people banding together to confront injustice and demand change. With its blend of action, emotion, and social commentary, this novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the untold stories of America's past. Prepare to be captivated from the first page to the last by Brown's masterful storytelling and profound insights into the human condition.

If the term Rednecks get your dander up becuase of its modern meaning - - "a working-class white person, especially a politically reactionary one from a rural area" that is not the meaning that we find in this book. Interestingly, it came about when the Union workers tied red bandanas around their necks before entering this war.

If you like your American history real, raw, bloody, and very descriptive, then this might be the book for you. You may also enjoy this bit of history, especially if you come from or live in the rural Blue Ridge Mountains/Appalachia and want to see what it was like for some people over 100 years ago.

This book is about the bloody battle between the miners who wanted to join the union and King Coal, who wouldn't let them. It also shows us how so many ethnicities and people from different countries and cultures managed to band together to try and beat the 'enemy'.

It is a terrifying historical novel that sticks more with history in all of its blood, guts, and glory and a lot less with fiction (yes, a lot of this was fictionalized, but not much, I think).

Long descriptive passages and a compelling look into the life of “Doc Moo" Muhanna, a Lebanese-American doctor (inspired by the author’s own great-grandfather), and what he has to deal with not to take sides.

Well worth reading if you can really handle the horrors of what trying to break into a union really meant to our ancestors.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher St. Martin's Press/Macmillan, the author, and NetGalley.

An interesting look at the dispute between the unions and mining companies in 1920's West Virginia. While the premise, characters, and setting captured my interest, there was something about the writing style that kept me from being truly engaged.

4.5 stars

Rednecks is the fascinating very well written story of the Battle of Blair Mountain in West Virginia in 1920.

Coal miners were trying to form a union and the uprising was bloody and brutal and shocking.

The miners worked under extremely harsh conditions which is an understatement.

The story is told form multiple POV's and this works very well.

The characters are real and unforgettable . I loved the Doctor.

Hardships are plenty but their strength, love of family and determination are admirable.

Taylor Brown has written a powerful story that will stay with me for a very long time.

Rednecks is not to be missed.

Taylor Brown has a new fan and I am off to read a few more by him.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a compelling and informative read.

4 stars

This is my first encounter with Taylor Brown's novels, and I anticipate that it won't be the last.

For me, successful historical fiction requires engaging characters and new insights. My wishes were granted. Dr. Moo's story is particularly compelling, and since I did not read a word about this novel ahead of time, I was extra enthused to learn this character is based on one of the author's relatives. There are other fictionalized depictions of historical folks here to match the events, though I did not feel as connected to the rest of the cast.

Folks who enjoy historical fiction and especially stories of rebellion in the name of equitable rights will appreciate this one. Though I'm an enthusiastic reader of the genre, this isn't necessarily the region I'm often clamoring for, but I'm glad I went off script this time and encourage other semi-reluctant/uncertain readers to do the same.

"You ask me, Crock, there's different Americas. America if you got means or don't, if you work in a tie or neckerchief, up in the office or down on the killing floor. White or colored, man or woman, Native or not. I reckon there's Americas they'd drop a bomb on, and ones they wouldn't even think it."

What a great read! Perfect for fans of 'Demon Copperfield,' or those looking for really grounded historical fiction instead of reading the same stories in the same settings over and over.

Thank you NetGalley and Taylor Brown.

“Rednecks” by Taylor Brown is a gripping historical drama set during the early 1920s in the coal-mining region of Logan, West Virginia. The novel revolves around the Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest labor uprising in U.S. history. It sheds light on the struggles of miners seeking fair treatment and their fight against Big Coal. Through fictional characters, Brown captures the resilience, sacrifice, and hope of those caught in this pivotal moment. A tale both heart-wrenching and hopeful, “Rednecks” brings to life a dark chapter from a century ago, revealing the perils of big business and government collusion.