Storming Heaven (Denise Giardina) is an historical novel that is set in Annadel West Virginia. It’s a coal-dependent town, but also highlights the events before the Battle of Blair Mountain. Storming Heaven is a historical novel that takes place in Annadel, West Virginia. It’s a town that relies on coal to make a living. The book also outlines the events leading up to the Battle of Blair Mountain. Storming Heaven accurately portrays the struggles of rural Appalachians to feed themselves, their families, and the company that took over. This is done through the eyes of four people, the mayor, the labor activist and the nurse.
CJ Marcum’s grandmother is murdered by railroad agent CJ Marcum after he fails to comply with their demands. Marcum’s grandfather is allegedly convinced that he signed for the property by the sheriff. Marcum does not believe this. Marcum and his family were forced to leave the property even though Marcum knew that his grandfather could not have signed his name. Carrie Bishop, whose family runs Homeplace Farm, is lucky that the coal companies have not destroyed their property or forced them off their land. As the company settles, it begins hiring more people and building camps to house their workers.
Rondal Lloyd describes the harsh conditions of work and poverty that coal camp residents face. The coal camp workers have a constant debt, due to paying for their board. In addition, the prices in the company shops, where the workers must purchase goods, are overinflated. Meanwhile, workers are being forced to work hard and long hours. In addition, the camp itself is always covered in coal dust. Lloyd, realizing that workers are being treated badly, joins the labor union, and risks even worse treatment. Marcum is elected mayor of Annadel. He tries his best to defend the rights and dignity of those who work in the mines.
The reader will later meet Rose Angelelli. She is an immigrant from Sicily who has lost four sons in coal mining. As coal mining conditions continue to deteriorate, workers are forced to join unions. The company uses violence to intimidate, torture and murder workers who are simply trying to defend their rights. Workers are even more determined to fight back against the cruel coal companies. Battle of Blair Mountain is fought as the violence intensifies.
Even though the workers had to endure suffering that was unimaginable, they lost. The precedent set for future labor union strikes in America was established. Storming Heaven showed the true sufferings of Appalachians, as well as the perseverance of those who worked hard and were punished with debts and torture. A wonderful novel that tells the story of the unions that have fought for workers’ rights and their journey.
