The Underworld The Story of Robert Sinclair, Miner

by Nicolas Gridel

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

404 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2007

Reviews

[Emily Davies (libraryofcalliope) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to potentially use for my dissertation as I’m planning to write about the Proletarian novel genre. This book is essentially a bildungsroman for its title character, as he goes to work in the mines at the age of 12 and eventually becomes a major local figure in the Trade Union movement. The author is writing from experience as Welsh was also a miner from age 12 who would go on to become a member of parliament and an active Trade Unionist. It’s a really interesting novel that depicts unflinching poverty but also reflects the heart at the centre of mining communities, exemplified by Nellie, Robert’s mother. At times the writing was a little trite but equally the message it makes is well done and sincere. I look forward to researching the topic further.