SOLVED. YA/A Dystopian future, only bit I can remember is orphans are digging/mining for "plastick" for some cruel master. Read in the late 90's, most likely. [s]

[Ecco]

I seem to remember some kind of "orphan is the hero" plot in it, but it was so long ago I can only remember the most vaguest of details.

The mining was done in a (possibly former) city of New York, digging for plastick (I recall that spelling specifically), because it had become a somewhat valuable commodity, which the 'master' sold.

[Rainbowheart]

The Copper Elephant?

The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm?

[Ecco]

Rainbowheart wrote: "The Copper Elephant?

The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm?"

The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm is it, thank you!
That other book sounds interesting too, I'll have to check it out.

[Rainbowheart]

Awesome, glad to help out!

[Mozart]

Oh I had forgotten about the eye, the ear and the arm!!!