Mourning Redemption Sharon M. Clarke
Triad Publishing Group
ISBN: 0979824486

Sharon M. Clarke has written a fine novel that reminds me of 'How Green Was My Valley' -
It is a beautiful work that brings us on the journey of the Evans family - Rhodri, his wife, Mari, and their children - from Wales to New Salem, PA.
New Salem is a mining town - two of the industries that didn't require education were coal mining and steel mills -
In this area coal was king - the company owned you - from the housing, to the tools, to the food you got in the store - all deducted from your paycheck - sometimes your paycheck may only be pennies...a hard life.
Mourning follows the events of the time and incorporates these with the characters' stories - the Virginia Mine Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the unrest in Europe and subsequent WWI with all the horrors - Geraint, the Evans' eldest child served in the army - even the most severe pandemic in history - the Spanish Flu - caused millions to lose their lives - all very poignant with current day threats of unrest and health concerns.
The scope of this book is amazing.
For those of us who are descendants of immigrants who came and worked hard for their place in this land, this is a touching story.

ellen george