Rednecks

By: Taylor Brown

Narrated by: Ramiz Monsef

A historical drama set against the backdrop of the Battle of Blair Mountain, pitting a multiethnic army of ten thousand coal miners against mine owners, state militia, and the United States government in the largest labor uprising in American history

Rednecks is a tour de force, big-canvas historical novel that dramatizes the West Virginia Mine Wars of 1920 and 1921—from the Matewan Massacre through the Battle of Blair Mountain—the largest armed conflict on American soil since the Civil War, when someone million rounds were fired, bombs were dropped on Appalachia, and the term redneck found an unexpected origin story.

Brimming with high-stakes drama from America’s buried history, Rednecks tells a powerful story of rebellion against oppression. In a land where the coal companies use violence and intimidation to keep miners from organizing, “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, risking his life and career to treat sick and wounded miners; Frank Hugham, a Black World War I veteran and coal miner, takes dramatic steps to lead a miners’ revolt with a band of fellow veterans; and Frank’s grandmother, Beulah, fights her own battle to save her home and grandson.

Real-life historical figures burn bright among the hills: 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 amid the tide of rebellion, and the sharp-shooting police chief, “Smilin’” Sid Hatfield, dares to stand up to the “gun thugs” of the coal companies, becoming a folk hero of the mine wars.

Award-winning novelist Taylor Brown brings to life one of the most compelling events in twentieth-century American history, reminding us of the hard-won origins of today’s unions. Rednecks is a propulsive, character-driven tale that’s both a century old and blisteringly contemporary: a story of unexpected friendship, heroism in the face of injustice, and the power of love and community against all odds.

©2024 Taylor Brown (P)2024 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“Just like its namesake, Rednecks is dressed in grit, moxie, and charm. The West Virginia Mine Wars’ secret history turns urgently prescient in Taylor Brown’s steady hands. Every single page sings with writing that is lyrical, agile, and bold. A matchless novel.”—Amy Jo Burns, author of Mercury

Solidarity forever

Wow! This book was so motivating as a union teacher. I loved learning more about the coal miners war.

Great book to represent West Virginia!

The Battle of Blair Mountain - as it should be told

The story was well researched and beautifully written. Historical events faithfully told, but with new life!

Only complaint - the occasional mispronunciation of some places in WV by the narrator. Having lived in and around this area for the better part of the last 35 years, I understand that some don’t know how the natives pronounce some of the locations. Appreciated the narrator and how his words added life to this story, regardless.

Fascinating piece of History

My grandpa was a coal miner. I grew up hearing stories of coal mines and company towns. I needed to know more about this story. It was well done and beautifully narrated. I will be looking for more of this author’s books.

Best Book I’ve read and listened to in years

This book is impossible to put down! It is exceptionally well written, and the reader perfectly brings the story to life.

Great Appalachia imagery

A good story from a forgotten set of circumstances in American history. The narrator kept the listening lively with accents and changes of voice. Great read!

History Comes Alive

Taylor Brown has quickly become a new favorite author. I am now going through his library and have yet to find a missed note in one of his titles yet. Redneck, his newest, only makes me want more. I knew some of the history of the places, people and events of this story from my travels in the region and my other readings. Mr. Brown makes the history come alive. He places you side by side with the miners, as if you are another character who is charged with observering the all that is happening, like a Creek chorus. This book will make you understand why unions were necessary, it will also make you angry at how the powerful took full advantage of their position without care for the ramifications. The narration was perfect in tone and voice, bring life to the characters. A wonderful book. Deserves to be a #1 bestseller!!

Fantastic

I really enjoyed this book! Being a native Appalachian, stories of the mine wars are common. This book is well written and told in a way that sparks further interest in the history of West Virginia.

Amazing story of extreme fight to gain better work conditions.

Sad story of great lengths taken to improve work conditions. True story. Hit close to home. Grandfather worked in a coal mine. I had no idea.

Intriguing American Story of Battle for Dignity, Rights, Fair Pay and Safe Working Conditions.

I liked the character development and storyline. Interesting and moving. Makes one long to know more of the truth about the struggles of workers in our nation.

Slowest book for no payofff

I cannot believe I forced myself to finish this book. It was slower than anything I’ve ever read, and while there were sparks of why I should care, the author never turned those sparks into flames.

How many times can we show someone going back and forth between two places getting ready for war? Was the audiobook narrator directed to speak in the most boring tone possible through the entire book?

I will give the author another try, but ugh - this was a solid pass.