The Women of Copper Country

Bestseller focuses on the Copper Country Strike of 1913-1914 in Upper Michigan.

A Mary Doria Russell novel is always going to catch my attention, but one focused on a historic labor strike in Calumet, Michigan? That’s an easy buy for any Michigan library. Known for her detailed research Russell brings to life the inspiring and heartbreaking labor dispute which included the horrific Italian Hall Disaster on Christmas Eve in 1913—when 73 people (mostly children) were killed when, it is believed, a company sympathizer yelled fire in a crowded hall when there wasn’t one. This isn’t an easy read, but I think it’s necessary for people to understand the sacrifices made for the sake of workers.