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The Miner's Daughter
Perhaps there is always a mark, when another person touches you, an invisible thread connecting you to them.
Backbreaking work, threadbare clothes, and black coal dust choking the air -- this is what a miner's daughter knows. Willa Lowell fears that this dust marks her to be nothing else, that she will never win against the constant struggle to survive. Even the fierce flame of her family's love -- her one bright spot against the darkness -- has begun to dim.
Willa yearns for a better life -- enough food to eat, clothes that fit, and a home free of black grit. She also yearns for a special love, the love of a boy who makes her laugh and shares the poetry she carries in her heart.
When a much brighter future is suddenly promised to her family, Willa knows it is a miracle . . . until she discovers that every promise has a price. But she also discovers that the real change has burned inside her all along -- if only she is strong enough to mine it.
Writing in a style that is as breathtaking and lyrical as it is powerful, Gretchen Moran Laskas draws from her family's past to bring to life the story of a girl struggling against seemingly insurmountable odds. The Miner's Daughter will touch readers' hearts and stay with them long after they've read the last word.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 23, 2010
****3.5 stars****
In the Miner's Daughter, we are introduced to Willa and her family while they are suffering from the effects of the Great Depression. The Riley mines where Willa's father and brother work have been hit really hard and meanwhile, all the household has fallen onto Willa's shoulders; her mother is ill and pregnant. Willa yearns for a better life, one full of plenty, beautiful red dresses, tons of new books, and simply a chance to make a difference... Is she capable of leaving her family and responsibilities behind??
The Miner's daughter was very thought driven. There wasn't much action and a deeply involved romance happened in a matter of 3 or 4 short pages. However, it was interesting to read about the inner turmoil Willa was feeling and learn the many tricks those in the Depression used to make things last (newspaper in mattresses, etc)..
And, While this sort of fiction isn't really my specialty nor my cup of tea (bookclub read), I kept thinking there has to be a better fictional retelling of the Depression's impact on the mining industry out there.. I felt like the Miner's Daughter never really dived below the surface. A story was handed to me, I read it in a few hours, and I'll probably soon forget about it. The story didn't manage to earn a lasting impression.
All in all, The Miner's daughter was simply okay. I'm not better off after reading it, I wasn't deeply absorbed, nor did I feel tons of pity for Willa and her family. I read it and that was that; over and done with.
In the Miner's Daughter, we are introduced to Willa and her family while they are suffering from the effects of the Great Depression. The Riley mines where Willa's father and brother work have been hit really hard and meanwhile, all the household has fallen onto Willa's shoulders; her mother is ill and pregnant. Willa yearns for a better life, one full of plenty, beautiful red dresses, tons of new books, and simply a chance to make a difference... Is she capable of leaving her family and responsibilities behind??
The Miner's daughter was very thought driven. There wasn't much action and a deeply involved romance happened in a matter of 3 or 4 short pages. However, it was interesting to read about the inner turmoil Willa was feeling and learn the many tricks those in the Depression used to make things last (newspaper in mattresses, etc)..
And, While this sort of fiction isn't really my specialty nor my cup of tea (bookclub read), I kept thinking there has to be a better fictional retelling of the Depression's impact on the mining industry out there.. I felt like the Miner's Daughter never really dived below the surface. A story was handed to me, I read it in a few hours, and I'll probably soon forget about it. The story didn't manage to earn a lasting impression.
All in all, The Miner's daughter was simply okay. I'm not better off after reading it, I wasn't deeply absorbed, nor did I feel tons of pity for Willa and her family. I read it and that was that; over and done with.
April 16, 2017
One the one hand, I'm sorry I've waited so long to read Gretchen's book. On the other hand, reading it in a time of recession, just before an election is a great idea. Perfect sense of place and time.
***
And extra special kudos to Gretchen for doing something I wish more authors, especially of historical works, would do: Web addresses for more info. I enjoy being able to look at photos or whatever afterwards.
And, also, a great story.
***
And extra special kudos to Gretchen for doing something I wish more authors, especially of historical works, would do: Web addresses for more info. I enjoy being able to look at photos or whatever afterwards.
And, also, a great story.
December 25, 2021
5/5 stars
Willa yearns for a better life -- enough food to eat, clothes that fit, and a home free of black grit. She also yearns for a special love, the love of a boy who makes her laugh and shares the poetry she carries in her heart.
Willa yearns for a better life -- enough food to eat, clothes that fit, and a home free of black grit. She also yearns for a special love, the love of a boy who makes her laugh and shares the poetry she carries in her heart.
April 28, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
I'm not normally a big historical fiction reader, so I wasn't coming in with high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I learned something new (the existence of Arthurdale and other homesteads) and enjoyed Willa's story. Sad though to think that we're still fighting some of the same struggles today...
"there are people in Congress, people in the state houses, people right here in West Virginia that care about one thing—themselves. And these bigoted, racist, arrogant fools would rather pretend that no one is to blame for the havoc that this Depression has wrought. Ask them if the government couldn't do something, they'll tell you that it isn't any of the government's business—they'll call you socialist, as if fighting for a decent standard of living for all people isn't part of the equality that the Declaration of Independence was all about."
I'm not normally a big historical fiction reader, so I wasn't coming in with high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I learned something new (the existence of Arthurdale and other homesteads) and enjoyed Willa's story. Sad though to think that we're still fighting some of the same struggles today...
"there are people in Congress, people in the state houses, people right here in West Virginia that care about one thing—themselves. And these bigoted, racist, arrogant fools would rather pretend that no one is to blame for the havoc that this Depression has wrought. Ask them if the government couldn't do something, they'll tell you that it isn't any of the government's business—they'll call you socialist, as if fighting for a decent standard of living for all people isn't part of the equality that the Declaration of Independence was all about."
March 21, 2012
...The Miner's Daughter ... by Gretchen Moran Laskas is about the struggles and hardships that Willa Lowell and her family go through in the small town of Riley Mines. Willa is only sixteen, but already has so much on her mind. In the beginning of the book, her mother is pregnant, and her condition continually goes downhill until she goes into labor. Willa has to take on a lot of the work that was previously her mother's, which she is not used to. When her mother finally has her baby and recovers, Willa's workload is decreased dramatically. Willa did have some moments to herself however, and she spent a meaningful few hours with her brother, Ves. Their relationship grew stronger, and so did Willa's relationship with Ves' best friend, Johnny. They depended on each other, and Johnny asked Willa to marry him. Willa was unsure of what to do, so she never answered him. Willa and her family was then offered an opportnity to leave Riley Mines, and move to the great new town of Arthurdale. This town was part of Roosevelt's New Deal. At first, Willa was very excioted to go. She then realized that Johnny and her best friend, Roselia, couldn't come because they were not native born. Willa went anyway, leaving her friends behind. She doesn't like Arthurdale, and thinks that she doesn't belong there. She is unsure of what to do, but she goes on.
I wish that Willa had shown more stress and weakness during her time of hardship because that would've made the book a lot more realistic. I also had a problem with the writing, I think it was to pretty and dainty when the poor coal mining towns were anything but. Another thing I found to be confusing was that Willa would think about buying new dresses and books instead of thinking of ways to get her family more money. I personally think she is portrayed to be self-absorbed because she is not helping her family out. I really don't think that this book was that good, and I wouldn't recommend it for people looking for an intense read.
I wish that Willa had shown more stress and weakness during her time of hardship because that would've made the book a lot more realistic. I also had a problem with the writing, I think it was to pretty and dainty when the poor coal mining towns were anything but. Another thing I found to be confusing was that Willa would think about buying new dresses and books instead of thinking of ways to get her family more money. I personally think she is portrayed to be self-absorbed because she is not helping her family out. I really don't think that this book was that good, and I wouldn't recommend it for people looking for an intense read.
November 15, 2012
Reviewed by Safia Abdul for TeensReadToo.com
In this tenderly crafted novel, Willa is a struggling sixteen-year-old girl living during the hard times of The Great Depression. All of her life, Willa has lived in a mining camp where her father and older brother work as coal miners. As economic conditions worsen and the coal mine shuts down, Willa's father and brother leave home to find a new job. This leaves Willa responsible to take care of her younger siblings, her weakened mother, and the numerous household chores.
When Miss Grace, a missionary, arrives in town, Willa is about to experience some exciting new changes. With her best friend, Roselia, they read through Miss Grace's vast collection of books and fantasize about life. But when Willa's father becomes extremely ill and Willa has a rare chance to escape the mining camp, there are some big decisions Willa has to make.
This novel was purely amazing and I read it in one sitting. Willa is one of the strongest fictional female characters I know. She never gives up and shines with strength throughout the story to the very last page. With her, THE MINER'S DAUGHTER is a perfect combination of family, friendship, and romance all set during the harshness of The Great Depression. I would recommend this book to all girls going through tough times...it inspired me thoroughly.
In this tenderly crafted novel, Willa is a struggling sixteen-year-old girl living during the hard times of The Great Depression. All of her life, Willa has lived in a mining camp where her father and older brother work as coal miners. As economic conditions worsen and the coal mine shuts down, Willa's father and brother leave home to find a new job. This leaves Willa responsible to take care of her younger siblings, her weakened mother, and the numerous household chores.
When Miss Grace, a missionary, arrives in town, Willa is about to experience some exciting new changes. With her best friend, Roselia, they read through Miss Grace's vast collection of books and fantasize about life. But when Willa's father becomes extremely ill and Willa has a rare chance to escape the mining camp, there are some big decisions Willa has to make.
This novel was purely amazing and I read it in one sitting. Willa is one of the strongest fictional female characters I know. She never gives up and shines with strength throughout the story to the very last page. With her, THE MINER'S DAUGHTER is a perfect combination of family, friendship, and romance all set during the harshness of The Great Depression. I would recommend this book to all girls going through tough times...it inspired me thoroughly.
March 6, 2012
I appreciated this book for numerous reasons. Reason number one was its honesty. Willa is a poor girl, from rags to relative riches, but she finds herself dissatisfied with penny candy later in the book that at the beginning would have thrilled her and she is ashamed. Reason two, it was not predictable. I kept thinking oh the mother will die, she'll marry that boy, ect. but the book wouldn't go in that direction. It wasn't a plot twist, it just a new story line that's hard to find. Three, I am from Appalachia and most of the facts are sound and we learned about the coal stores as our state's history. Last and maybe most important, I came across an autographed copy of the book made out to the area's libraries and it was actually in the library! It is signed "always believe in your dreams" and it thrilled me to see. I've never seen a book dedicated to an ordinary library and it almost brought tears to my eyes that an author cares so much about books. It made reading the parts about Miss Grace that much more believable. I know that Ms. Laskas would be a Miss Grace figure in real life and whole heartedly supported all libraries and all types of learning.
In all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone.
In all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone.
August 3, 2012
Because our 8th grade team is doing a resource unit on coal in WVa, I picked up this book as a possible read for my 8th grade resource class. Nah, this isn't gonna do. First, because the main character is a girl, who despite dealing with horrendous hardships of poverty,hunger as well as the usual adolescent angst, just matter of factly deals with the situations.Second because the problem she solves is the government solution,the move to Arthurdale. Even though she must leave her best friend and the love of her young life behind,because the government program just accepts WASPs into the new village, she goes so with barely a whimper.There's just not enough of anything for me to try to push this at my 8th graders. Not enough history,not enough emotional power, not enough action to suit even the girls on my caseload. This is a nice Sunday school book for girls who still go to Sunday school and have lived a life of middle class ease and values.For them it may be an eye-opener and the main character a heroine,but this book is not my kids. I'll put it on a free reading shelf and mention it,and even though the reading level is just fine,it will stay there. I'm sorry about that.
October 17, 2011
The story was written very simple, the hardships that Willa Laura Lowell endured,what caught my attention was the exposure to literature within a piece of literature! Where Willa met with Miss Grace and read all the books and poems she could ever wanted from the Mission. Though Willa and her family were struggling with the Depression, there was always light at the end of the tunnel. It's heart-warming and lovely, a must-read for those who have been hurt and in need of escape.
October 16, 2018
"The Miner's Daughter" is the story of a teenage girl faced with the hardships of poverty living in a defunct coal mining town during the Great Depression. It brings to light that even in low socio-economic areas the issues of prejudice and the hope of a better life. Faced with dilemmas that Willa had not even considered at the start of the book, she must make difficult decisions and weigh the importance of family and need.
August 17, 2018
I was hooked on this book from the first page. You feel for Wila and her family as they head into the depression. They are scraping by with little work and food but rich in love and strength. Especially young Wila who is determined to take care of her family. A great read.
December 27, 2018
Somewhat like Coal Miners Daughter, Loretta Lynn and Canadian Show on Netflix, "When calls the Heart." Also like the Waltons.
Also I learned about FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt and "Arthurdale" a new town setup by the Government.
Also I learned about FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt and "Arthurdale" a new town setup by the Government.
November 29, 2021
I found this in a pile of books to be withdrawn from our library. It intrigued me. I love reading about Appalachian culture and I felt this would be right up my alley. It was.
Since it is a teen book, it is a light easy read. I loved the main character, Willa. I appreciated how the author brought to life the struggles the coal miner's families faced during the Depression. It is sad to realize how close those people were to starving even though they had some of the hardest jobs. They certainly get paid enough.
Although my ancestors were not coal miners, they were farmers and poor. I remember my grandmother stressing that poor did not mean dirty. Some of the tales of good dresses and remaking old dresses rung familiar.
I gave this book to my mother to read next. She is not much of a reader, but I know she will like this book.
Since it is a teen book, it is a light easy read. I loved the main character, Willa. I appreciated how the author brought to life the struggles the coal miner's families faced during the Depression. It is sad to realize how close those people were to starving even though they had some of the hardest jobs. They certainly get paid enough.
Although my ancestors were not coal miners, they were farmers and poor. I remember my grandmother stressing that poor did not mean dirty. Some of the tales of good dresses and remaking old dresses rung familiar.
I gave this book to my mother to read next. She is not much of a reader, but I know she will like this book.
February 25, 2025
2.5 Decent and good for what it is. I didn't feel especially close to any of the characters; they were pretty flat. I really wish the story would have delved into Great Depression life -- and while it did sort of mention the lives of coal miners, it just didn't hook me. This was def a YA novel. The romance between Willa and Johnny was cute, but it was also meh.
February 5, 2018
Good story about Willa, set during the Depression. Good writing but not much happens. Poverty and prejudice are the complications.
April 19, 2021
I think it was a really good book. It was very clear and had really nice description of things.
April 14, 2022
Excellent! Gives insight into what coal miners and their families had to go through during the Depression in the 1930s. A very good book!
May 9, 2023
I thought it was good but it did seem a little slow in the beginning.
Read
March 22, 2017Excellent.
January 23, 2024
I think this book was really great! If I wasn’t doing it for an English class I would have probably liked it a lot more!!
Read
March 22, 2012The Miner's Daughter by Gretchen Moran Laskas was an enjoyable story about a young girl who lived through the Great Depression. The story was also about the hope her and her family kept thourghout this rough time. It is about a girl named Willa who lives in a small mining town called Riley. The Depression hit Riley hard. The mines closed down and everyone was out of work. Willa's father and brother now cannot support their family of seven. To try to help with the money problems her father and brother move away totry to find work. Willa also meets this nice and friendly missionary. They become good friends and Willa now has someone she can go to for adivce and help. Willa finds herself spending more time at the library, run by the missionary Grace. When Willa's dad and brother came home they were both sick and this forced Willa to have to try to save her family from being kicked out of their house. When her family is offered a better future it almost seems too good tobe true but Willa learns that everything comes with a price.
I felt that this book did a good job of acuratly depicting what happened to most families during the Great Depression. I felt that my favorite character was Willa only because of the bravery that she shows just to help her famuily. I love how she was so selfless and did everything while her father and brother were sick. Willa's brother Ves was also a nice character that was only looking out for his family. He seemed to me almost like a protective bodyguard that would not let his family be touched by the horrible depression. This book made me want to keep reading to find out
what happens to the family that the author made you fall in love with.
I felt that this book did a good job of acuratly depicting what happened to most families during the Great Depression. I felt that my favorite character was Willa only because of the bravery that she shows just to help her famuily. I love how she was so selfless and did everything while her father and brother were sick. Willa's brother Ves was also a nice character that was only looking out for his family. He seemed to me almost like a protective bodyguard that would not let his family be touched by the horrible depression. This book made me want to keep reading to find out
what happens to the family that the author made you fall in love with.
June 19, 2015
How refreshing to find a book for ages 12 and up that is not filled with anything scary other than information about the coal mines and workers during the The Great Depression. Willa is a young teenager living with her family in West Virginia. She is bright, but lacking in formal education. Miss Grace enters her life and brings with her the gift of books.
Willa starts to learn and memorize Whitman's Leaves of Grass. Her mind is expanding exponentially. The story is enough to spark the interest of teens on all levels. There is an appropriate romance, information about the struggles of the coal mines, workers and the dependence on company store overpriced items.
The New Deal is beginning to sweep across the nation. The author provides links at the end of the book for readers who want to no more about how FDR's sweeping changes made a huge impact on the lives of workers once tied to a company store, low wages and the continuing threat of injury and/or black lung disease.
I wish there were more contemporary books for young adults not filled with vampires and girls seeking unhealthy relationship with vampires. Willa is a true role model for girls who seek to use their minds to better the world.
Willa starts to learn and memorize Whitman's Leaves of Grass. Her mind is expanding exponentially. The story is enough to spark the interest of teens on all levels. There is an appropriate romance, information about the struggles of the coal mines, workers and the dependence on company store overpriced items.
The New Deal is beginning to sweep across the nation. The author provides links at the end of the book for readers who want to no more about how FDR's sweeping changes made a huge impact on the lives of workers once tied to a company store, low wages and the continuing threat of injury and/or black lung disease.
I wish there were more contemporary books for young adults not filled with vampires and girls seeking unhealthy relationship with vampires. Willa is a true role model for girls who seek to use their minds to better the world.
September 7, 2008
This book was very good, and exciting. As one can tell from the title it is about a miner’s daughter living in a place for miners called: The Riley Mines. This book really caught my attention and made me not want to put it down because of its characters and their roles in the book. This book was non-fiction yet fiction in both ways, since the author was writing the book with half facts and making up the story. But at the same time the life of these people in general are true and realistic. I applaud the author for making this book so real, since I had to look in the front of the book half of the time to make sure that it was really fiction. The author made the characters so real and themselves that it sounded as if she was there. I recommend this book to anyone who wants history, love, yet fiction all in one book.
September 18, 2008
Willa Laura Lowell (how can you not love that name?) is a 16-year-old girl living in a West Virginia coal mining town during the Depression. When the mine closes, her father and older brother find dangerous work that takes them away from home. Meanwhile, Willa goes to work herself disguised as a boy, although she doesn't deceive her brother's handsome friend. She also becomes friends with Miss Grace, an educated, well-dressed missionary lady who introduces Willa to novels and poetry. Thanks to Miss Grace, Willa also meets Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, who is trying to help people like Willa's family, who are struggling to survive.
I enjoyed the historical setting of the book, a time and place I know very little about. I wanted to know more about Miss Grace's background. You never find out how she ended up at the mining town.
I enjoyed the historical setting of the book, a time and place I know very little about. I wanted to know more about Miss Grace's background. You never find out how she ended up at the mining town.
February 22, 2009
Historical fiction. Subjects: Depression, 1929, West Virginia; coal mines and mining; Arthurdale, WV. Tells the story of Willa Lowell, a coal miner's daughter. Oh my gosh--the horrible living conditions in the fictitious Riley Mines coal town especially after the mines are shut down. Willa befriends missionary, Miss Grace, who establishes a small library in the town. Through books and her writings, Willa imagines a life outside of the poverty of Riley Mines. This new life eventually comes to the Lowell family when they are accepted into the New Deal Homestead of Arthurdale, WV. Author notes provides background on this historical time period as well as websites for further resources. The author dedicates the book to her grandmother, a real miner's daughter, and her grandfather, who died of black lung.
January 28, 2020
This is the kind of book that I love. A random find from the library that turns out to be one of the best books I’ve ever read. This is a deep, moving look at the poverty and hard work that were so prevalent in the Great Depression.
Set in the 1930s, this book takes a look into a mining town as could be found in the Depression. Willa is an incredible protagonist, giving us a peek into what young women faced in this difficult period in history. Full of courage, the hopes and dreams of young women, and the need for family in hard times, this book speaks to the heart as well as showing that the future can hold anything, and that situations can change in ways that you had never imagined.
If you are encompassed with the passions of youth, or just interested in historical fiction, this book will speak to you. Definitely give it a try!
Set in the 1930s, this book takes a look into a mining town as could be found in the Depression. Willa is an incredible protagonist, giving us a peek into what young women faced in this difficult period in history. Full of courage, the hopes and dreams of young women, and the need for family in hard times, this book speaks to the heart as well as showing that the future can hold anything, and that situations can change in ways that you had never imagined.
If you are encompassed with the passions of youth, or just interested in historical fiction, this book will speak to you. Definitely give it a try!
February 7, 2011
I have been on a fantasy-science fiction kick for a few months now. I picked this book up from the library on a total whim, and then it sat and sat and sat in my to-read bin. I ran out of books to read on my snow day and opened this book as a last resort. (Scene: Me flopping on the couch with a major sigh, knowing that this isn't going to be worth it...)
BUT I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!! It was just a sweet story of a young woman living life in the Depression. I really enjoyed it.
I always wonder after surprises like this, if I was so impressed because I was expecting to be let down or if the book just caught me at the right time/mood/environment or if the book truly was as good as it seems... yes, I can be a cynic sometimes.
BUT I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!! It was just a sweet story of a young woman living life in the Depression. I really enjoyed it.
I always wonder after surprises like this, if I was so impressed because I was expecting to be let down or if the book just caught me at the right time/mood/environment or if the book truly was as good as it seems... yes, I can be a cynic sometimes.
March 12, 2015
I think the part of this book that I felt the most was the circumstance. The thought of the mining town and a community that existed just to mine, homes and lives stipulated by "the Man", intrigued me into an almost submissive state. I started imagining pod-type-communities kind of like hunger games districts, (only smaller) and felt a deeper sense of government and the importance of elected officials. The Eleanor Roosevelt bit was a fun surprise. It had some disappointing moments, incorporated into the story, that kept me vested. A good read, especially after Grisham's Grey Mountain (another coal mining book). Definitely recommendable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2015
The Miner's Daughter, by Gretchen Moran Laskas, is the story of Willa Lowell, a teenager in a coal mining camp town in West Virginia during the Great Depression. The various conflicts in her life (she loves to read and write, but lives in a world without books or opportunities for further education; she's fighting to keep her family together and financially afloat amidst great hardship; even good fortune is not without its blemishes) play out in a story that's somewhat simple, but still pleasingly told.
February 13, 2009
This book is really great, it is talking about the hardships that people had to go through during The great Depresion. How everyone in the family has to pitch in some how and all work together.
Willa tried so hard to keep in touch with her father and her brother when they go off to hawks nest. Trying to keep the family running while finding a new friend to talk and hang out with(Ms Grace).
This book kept me at the edge of my seat, and always was wanting for more, couldnt put this one down!
its great check it out.
Willa tried so hard to keep in touch with her father and her brother when they go off to hawks nest. Trying to keep the family running while finding a new friend to talk and hang out with(Ms Grace).
This book kept me at the edge of my seat, and always was wanting for more, couldnt put this one down!
its great check it out.
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