Mingo
by W. Jeff Barnes
Set against the backdrop of coal-rich, hard-scrabble West Virginia and “civilized,” segregated Virginia, Mingo reveals the deep divide between corporate might and those seeking a fair wage for an honest day’s work. The novel plumbs the depths of brotherly love, betrayal, and the power of reconciliation amidst the deadly struggle to unionize America’s coalfields.
“Mingo is a realistic depiction of the Appalachian mine wars as well as a closely detailed look at the entire culture of coal versus the hifalutin culture of Richmond and the Old South. Seen through the eyes of two irresistible mountain brothers, Durwood and Bascom Matney from the coal mining community of Mingo, the issues of class, race, and unionization take on real flesh and blood. Suspense and pathos mount in a plot as relevant today as ever. Mingo is a moving and thought-provoking page turner.”
—Lee Smith, Bestselling author of The Last Girls and Fair and Tender Ladies
Article: Mingo Brings Mine Wars to Life
WSAZ3 News
Author W. Jeff Barnes talks about his novel ‘Mingo’ | August 3, 2023
