44 pages • 1 hour read
Storming Heaven
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
West Virginia • Early 20th century
1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Storming Heaven by Denise Giardina is a historical novel set in West Virginia during the late 1800s and early 1900s, focusing on the forced displacement of farming families by coal companies, the dangerous working conditions of coal miners, and their attempts to unionize, which culminates in a massive strike and the Battle of Blair Mountain, as recounted by the four main characters: C. J. Marcum, Rondal Lloyd, Carrie Bishop, and Rosa Angelelli. The book depicts violence, labor struggles, and personal and communal tragedies.
Gritty
Challenging
Inspirational
Emotional
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Storming Heaven by Denise Giardina has been praised for its evocative portrayal of the coal miners' struggles in early 20th-century West Virginia. Reviewers commend Giardina’s rich characterization and historical accuracy, though some critics note a slow narrative pace. Despite this, the novel’s emotional depth and social commentary make it a compelling read.
Who Should Read Storming Heaven?
Fans of gritty historical novels like The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and Germinal by Émile Zola will be captivated by Denise Giardina’s Storming Heaven. This reader appreciates richly detailed narratives centered around social justice, labor struggles, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
304
Novel • Fiction
West Virginia • Early 20th century
1987
Adult
18+ years
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