About:
The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash is a novel taking place in 1929 North Carolina, during a strike at a textile mill. The novel was named Best Book of 2017 by the Chicago Public Library.
The publisher is giving away one (1) copy of this book – enter via the rafflecoper form at the end of the post.
- 416 pages
- Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0062313126
My rating for The Last Ballad – 5
Buy The Last Ballad from Amazon.com*
More Books by Wiley Cash
Thoughts:
The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash is a moving and poignant novel, based on true events. I have read A Land More Kind than Home previously and I know the author to be an excellent writer and storyteller.
Even though this is a fictionalized account of the life of Ella May Wiggins, Mr. Cash brings her character to life and focuses on the difficult life many Americans have lived. Mrs. Wiggins got married at the age of 16, struggled with bad husbands who left her and their kids to fend for themselves.
This is a sad story, but very moving and brilliantly written. While the story is told from the view point of several people, it is about Mrs. Wiggins and her struggles in work and personal life.
I knew nothing about the mill strikes in 1929, this book taught me a lot about it, and painted a picture of the times. The book made me appreciate the struggles these people went through (whether you agree with them or not is irrelevant) trying to create a better life for themselves and their kids.
Synopsis:
North Carolina, 1929, Ella May Wiggins struggle to take care of her kids and work the night shift in a textile mill. Ella’s husband ran away and she gets paid less than the other mills because she’s working next to African Americans.
Being unionized gives Ella a taste of hope, but in their way stand everyone from the mill owners to the racists in town who’d like nothing better than retain control. Using scare tactics, not unfamiliar to today’s political climate, it’s an uphill battle.
Buy The Last Ballad from Amazon.com*
More Books by Wiley Cash
Giveaway
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Giveaway ends: June 18, 2018
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Winners must have a valid e-mail address
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US Address Only please
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Winners will have 24 hours to write back with their address, otherwise an alternate winner will be picked
Zohar — Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free.
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account
One Comment
I can’t believe I haven’t made time to read this book yet. It got such great reviews when it first came out, and again now. I definitely need to pick up a copy!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.