3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.*

I was interested in this title because I literally know NOTHING about the coal mining wars and I was curious about the organization of Unions in coal mining country in the US as well as the (even fictional) history of Mother Jones.

This story shed a lot of light on that time as well as being a really great portrayal of well-developed and fully-formed characters.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction. Particularly those that might want to learn more about US History that isn't taught in history class.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Taylor Brown is an author whose work I've always approached with eager anticipation, convinced that each new release would finally capture my heart. Yet, with each book I dive into, I struggle with his writing style, which often feels dense and wordy, causing me to lose my way and struggle to maintain engagement.

Despite my hopes for a transformative reading experience, I've realized that Brown's writing doesn't quite possess the enchanting allure I had hoped for. While his prose may not cast the spell I desire, I can appreciate his unique voice and storytelling.

I so tried to get into this story but it just didn't hold my attention. I'm sure it's a wonderful novel but just not for me. It felt stilted and uninteresting. I'm sure others will enjoy it.

“They wear red bandannas around their necks, as if their throats have already been cut. People will call them primitives and hillbillies, anarchists and insurrectionists. They will call them Rednecks.”
I love a well done historical fiction and few do it as well as Taylor Brown, who concentrates his efforts on the American South. This time, his attention turns to the coal mine wars of 1920-21 and specifically, the Battle of Blair Mountain. “One side had power and influence, the other was willing to die. One of the oldest, bloodiest stories in a very old book - old as civilization itself.” This was the largest labor uprising and the largest armed conflict since the Civil War. But today, it’s almost completely forgotten.
Told from multiple POVs, I especially appreciated that one character was a Lebanese doctor. Forget prejudice, the miners wanted someone independent, not a company doctor. And this character was based on Brown’s own great-grandfather. Frank Hugham, a black miner, is the second voice we hear the most from. Two of the characters are real - Smilin’ Sid Hatfield, a sheriff and Union sympathizer and Mother Jones. Brown manages to blend the dark of the battle with the love of family and community.
The writing is exceptional. I found myself highlighting multiple phrases. It’s a high powered story, with little downtime. It’s a tense story and I was totally gripped by it. I flew through the pages, dying to know the outcome for the main characters. The book is meticulously researched and includes a Bibliography along with an excellent Author’s Note.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

Have you ever wondered where the term “rednecks” came from? It never occurred to me, but when I read Taylor Brown’s fascinating historical fiction novel, Rednecks, I was surprised. To some, it was a derogatory term. To others, it was a source of pride.

The story is set in the early 1900s in Mingo County in West Virginia mine country. Men of all colors and nationalities toiled in the mines working long hours, six days a week under backbreaking conditions for little pay. They lived with their families in company owned housing. Men were sick and dying of black lung disease. When they tried to join the mine workers union, they were evicted from their homes. Families, including old women and babies, were forced to live in tents, which provided poor shelter from the elements. The mining company hired a private detective company, the Baldwin-Felts Agency, who were vicious thugs, to control the miners. Those who tried to strike were shot.

When the strike was officially declared, all-out war broke out. The hardships and struggles of the men are palpable. It didn’t matter if they were Black, white, born on the continent, or immigrant. The men who wore the red kerchiefs around their necks – the strikers – Rednecks – were united.

Through it all, I became quite invested in a few characters who stand out through the book. Big Frank Hugham was a Black man who withstood much physical abuse and many challenges but never gave up. His grandmother, Miss Beulah, was his rock. The other person is a man who was there for all the people is Doctor Momit Muhanna, known to all as Doctor Moo. He took his Hippocratic oath seriously and worked tirelessly for all. Frank is based on a couple real-life people. The character, Dr. Moo was inspired by the author’s great-grandfather, who was a Lebanese immigrant who became a physician/medical examiner in Kentucky. These two men were characters I rooted for and was truly hoping would survive the onslaught.

There are two other character I need to mention. One is Moo’s son, Musa. He was an adventurous, courageous boy whose heroes were men like Davey Crockett and Daniel Boone. He loved the outdoors, and when given the chance, he can really show what he’s made of. The other is a real-life legend, Mother Jones. Mary Harris Jones – some called her “The Most Dangerous Woman in America.” She became famous for her work assisting in labor causes, and although she was elderly at the time of the Battle of Blair Mountain, she was there in body and spirit for the men she referred to as “my boys.”

This was a piece of history that I had been completely unaware of, and it was eye-opening! I received a digital copy of Rednecks as an ARC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Mr. Taylor Brown.

5 stars

Set in the early 1920’s, this story is based on the Battle of Blair Mountain in Logan County, West Virginia, a story of the Coal Wars. Approximately 50 to 100 died, with hundreds wounded. I was surprised to find that it was the largest labor uprising in United States history and remains the largest armed uprising that took place in America since the Civil War.

Taylor Brown has written a story that, at times, is dark and gritty, but there are also moments of tenderness, love, and heartbreak, as well. The story includes some real-life characters which surprised me, and loved knowing that the legendary Mother Jones was one of them.

Aside from the miners, there are several characters who add some charm to this, including Mother Jones, and the Lebanese-American doctor, who goes by ’Doc Moo’, Frank, a miner, and his mother Beulah, a wonderful character who helps to add a sense of these times, and what they needed to do in order to endure and hold on to hope, as slim as it seems.

There are moments, many, many moments of tension, danger, as well as fear, but there are also moments when these people seem to rise above that and become their own heroes, as well as lending a hand, or more, to help those in their community.

Beautifully written, this is a story of the bonds of friendship and the power that this community has to overcome their fears, despite their fears, despite being outnumbered.

I had never read or heard about this in any history book, or from my father or grandfather and grandmother who had both grown up in West Virginia. I’ve visited there, walked through the house that my great-grandfather built with his own hands, and where my grandfather, and my father were born. I have cousins there who I met by chance searching through an old graveyard looking for family names. After going through most of the graveyard by then, I offered to help a man and his friend find family buried there since I had gone through most of the graveyard by then, and showed him where the person he was looking for was. The man who’d been helping him asked what names I was looking for, and when I told him, and heard his response, I realized he was my father’s cousin, and was invited to his home, directly across the street.

Another powerful, heartfelt story by one of my favourite authors.


Pub Date: 14 May 2024


Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press

Grateful for learning about the Battle of Blair Mountain by reading this historical drama with unforgettable characters.

Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin's for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I can't rave enough about this book. The writing is next level. Each sentence a work of art in itself. Reminded me of Lauren Groff in that way. Phrases and similes that punch you in the face and cause you to think. The crisp chapters and perfect imagery to open each section. One can really tell Taylor Brown put his heart into this one.

The story: As a person who studied history and labor history in the US, this was a banger topic for me. I was riveted from the first page and Taylor kept my interest with well-paced scenes and chapters that moved the action. Tying in the context of WWI veterans was key and placed the story in the larger currents of history. The book launches at the Matewan shootout and moves the story from there toward the Battle of Blair Mountain.

Taylor Brown moves between historical context and character development. like a true artist in that one gets lost in the story, never stopping to think: is this backstory or context, or is it dramatic action and character development.

Sid, Dr. Moo, Frank, Mother Jones were all characters that I cared about and made me live to turn the next page.

Just a artfully rendered view of a fascinating historical topic.

As someone who grew up in Appalachia, and the granddaughter of a coal miner, I was excited to read this book and also hesitant because so often our history is misrepresented. This was my first Taylor Brown book and I was impressed by his research and storytelling. I cared deeply about the characters because they seemed real. Of course, some were, but some were fictional. They were all believable. The battle of Blair mountain was a huge historical event in our country yet the majority of people haven’t even heard of it. This story needed to be told and I encourage everyone to read it. Action packed and full of heart- five stars.

Name of Book: Rednecks
Author: Taylor Brown
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub Date: May 14, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 320

I grew up in West Virginia; my fathers as well as two of my brothers were coal miners. Thankfully after this time period even so it was still dangerous. My youngest brother who started out a HS History teacher became a coal miner as the pay was so much better than being a teacher. He was seriously injured when one of the coal cars pinned him; He recovered but remained on disability.

This is the story of the 1920/21 “Battle of Blair Mountain”, the coal miners trying to become part of a union in West Virginia. The bigwig owners of the mines weren’t having it and even the military was called up against the miners.

Story features actual characters as well some from Mr. Brown’s creative imagination.--men and women, adults and children, Black, white, and immigrants who worked in the dangerous West Virginia coal mines.
“Rednecks” tells a dramatic story of rebellion against oppression. Taylor Brown introduces crucial point of view characters: "Doc Moo" Muhanna.
I knew nothing about this story. My hubby is an engineer but loves history so it was excited I was reading this.
Be sure to read – ‘The Author’s Note’ as it is a story in itself!

The term ‘redneck’ has been around for many years but is typically associated with the Appalachian working class as backwards, and uneducated. Unfortunately the term is still used - I am sure no one knows the meaning other than it is negative!

Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 14, 2024

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review. This will appear on good reads.
This is an eye opening account of the Battle on Blair Mountian, a piece of our history not told in school and likely forgotten in most states. Back before labor laws, companies held men by the balls as they rigged a system of poor pay, scrips only valid in company stores, and housing that was dangerous at best. The response to any inquiry was “they can find other work” when there was none to be found. Generations of people were trapped in this cycle until this group of miners decided to fight back. Today businesses scoff at unions, but this story shows their significance.
Based in truth, this story fills in the gaps of the men and women and even children, behind this valuable lesson in American history. I hope it never to be repeated.
3*

This is an astonishing historical account of US history that many of us don’t know about. It’s well written with a dialect that takes you to the friendly folks living in a small town of Matewan, West Virginia in the early 1920s.

Coal miners were angry. They were working 10-hour days, nearly 7 days a week in the dark, cold earth where black lung disease was common. Some of the brave miners tried to form a union which caused setbacks and violent attacks.

Two sides were fighting in the Battle of Blair Mountain – one for the rights of better working conditions and the other one for the big coal operators supported by the government. It’s always about money and control of the people, isn’t it?

The book gives readers a glimpse of the workers, a few prominent union leaders and one resident who was noteworthy: Dr. Domit Ibrahim Muhanna of Mingo County. He was born in the mountains of Lebonan and was inspired to move to the West Virginia hills to be near a cousin. This man gave the story a human element of goodness.

I don’t know how I missed this part of our history. Some felt it was a second civil war with all of the blood on American soil. It’s well written although parts have fighting that seemed to go on forever. While it was inspired by a true story, it was exhausting reading how Americans could be so destructive with each other and the land.

Yet, we read history to learn from it. Could something similar happen again in our country with two strong sides fighting against each other on American soil? It’s a thought I wish I never had to think about. This story would make a good book discussion. At the end, there is a bibliography which could inspire one to read more about this turbulent time.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of May 14, 2024.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 14, 2024
Taylor Brown, author of “Gods of Howl Mountain” and “Wingwalkers” presents a new, historical fiction novel based on true events.
“Rednecks” dramatizes the true events that took place in the West Virigina mining country, during the early nineteenth century. Tired of the dangerous working conditions, a group of miners decide to fight for their human rights and unionize but the owners of the mines, and the political bigwigs profiting from the coal, decide to take a stand to prevent this from happening. As the United States army is brought in to fight the “redneck” forces from West Virginia, battle lines are drawn and choices are made that drastically change the landscape of the southern United States.
Brown identifies “The Battle of Blair Mountain” as the bloodiest war ever to take place on American soil, second only, of course, to the Civil War. He explains the significance of the term “redneck”, which stemmed from this very war, where the miners wore red handkerchiefs around their necks to identify their loyalties.
“Rednecks” is told from a variety of different characters, 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 (for all intents and purposes), Beulah, and even Sid Hatfield (of Hatfield and McCoy fame). All perspectives are explored and, although a reader will automatically side with the “rebel” rednecks, Brown offers an honest depiction of both sides of the conflict, focusing on the human component.
“Rednecks” is unique, informative and emotional, and it is for novels like these that have earned Brown his reputation. His new novel is powerful and relevant, as the age-old battle of David vs. Goliath takes place, with those in positions of power trying to keep the underdogs from rising. “Rednecks” will make readers cheer, feel and, most importantly, highlight an important era in American history that has been almost forgotten.

This was my first Taylor Brown novel and I absolutely loved it! This was written extremely well and was a story I never have heard before. I loved the atmosphere that Brown created, it was extremely gritty and tense. It was also very detailed which I appreciate from historical drama.

Rich in historical detail, and based on true life characters, this was a story that I was not familiar with but fascinated by. Brown is a word artist and master storyteller. I must seek more of this author’s work.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

It was a time when King Coal was so powerful and rich the law was in its pocket. The workers were expendable–immigrants and people of color and poor whites, so easily replaced. The work was gruelling, men hunched over in three foot high tunnels for six and a half days a week. The men’s bodies grew strong, but with time disease and exhaustion and accidents took them. And when the menfolk could no longer work, they were thrown out of the houses the mine provided. But what choices did the miners have? What other work was there?

Across the country, workers were organizing unions to demand a just wage and safe working conditions. The workers went on strike and were thrown out of their houses. The miners found quick replacements.

In West Virginia the mine owners hired enforcers to shut down the strikers, killing those who stood by them. Mother Jones, tired and worn from years of union organizing, came with Union supplies and speeches, until she realized the miners were fighting a war they would not win.

The conflict became legendary, the largest armed conflict since the Civil War.

Rednecks brings to life the people and events of the Matewan Massacre and Battle of Blair Mountain in a narrative filled with tension and threat without respite. Author Taylor Brown creates memorable characters on both sides of the conflict, and in the middle a Lebanese born doctor dedicated to healing who must choose sides, inspired by his own grandfather.

On one side were the mine owners, their hired thugs and the lawmen they bribed, and even Federal troops. On the other side the workers and their families, reduced to living in tents, their anger growing with every murder and beating. The miners wore red bandanas, and were known as Rednecks, which made them easy targets when vigilants and lawmen and Federal troops went to war against them.

The novel is riveting as historical fiction, and illuminating as history of the oppression of the workers, consisting of the most vulnerable and least powerful in society. Decried as socialism and anti-capitalist, Unions also are behind laws that protect workers and a fair wage and created the middle class. In recent years, unions have lost members and power, and we have seen the middle class decline.

We have forgotten the sacrifices and the violence behind laws we take for granted. Rednecks reminds us of this history.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

Loved this one! I think we will be seeing it as a highly-sought after pick for a lot of book clubs. I highly recommend this unique story.

Rednecks by Taylor Brown

It started by families being turned out of their homes into the mud, and ended with the largest battle on American soil since the Civil War. Follow a doctor, a miner, an organizer, a sheriff, and a grandmother as they wait for the inevitable Battle of Blair Mountain.

This author got a lot of stuff right and for that I'm thankful. The region, the representation...even references to the bookwomen in Appalachia were not lost on me. That being said this was action-packed start to finish. I didn't get as much character development because we were jumping from shootout to shootout. Fans of Crosby will like it I think, and I'm genuinely so glad it's out there in the world!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy! Check Rednecks out when it is released in May 2024!

An important story. How did I not know this? How were we not taught this in school? Bombs on American soil on its own people?

This is historical fiction at its finest. Taylor Brown captures the spirit of the people of the Battle of Blair Mountain. This book is written in their blood, sweat, and tears.

Each character, from Frank to Doc Moo, are treated with respect. I love how there is no sugarcoating these times, the subject matter difficult to digest, and yet Brown keeps it entertaining. I loved the relationships among the miners. Brown really made this a testament to their souls.

Rednecks by Taylor Brown is a historical fiction novel about the Battle of Blair Mountain where the coal miners fought for fair wages and better working conditions agains the coal mine owners and the American government. The book covers the 1920-1921 time period that detailed the West Virginia Mine Wars. I hadn’t read anything like this before on this particular subject. I found it very descriptive and educational.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.