DigeeBooks

It is 1917 and the United States is recovering from the costly first World War. Inflation hits hard, especially in the coal regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Long work days for low pay provided barely enough to scrape by before, but now families are forced to make difficult decisions. What groceries are optional? Does Mama really need cream in her coffee? Probably not. Is a nine-year-old boy too young to quit school and work full-time in the mines? Maybe... maybe not.In this coming-of-age story, Katie's brother Wasyl sees his widowed mother struggling to buy food and pay bills. He wants to get a job to help her and his sisters, but Mama insists that he not work in the mines as so many other boys his age are doing. He wishes he had a father to guide him through the harsh realities of growing up in coal country, but Wasyl's father is a big secret that no one ever discusses. The only thing Wasyl knows about his father is what Mama always says, the mines killed him. Then one day the truth comes out in the most traumatic way.There is so much he doesn't understand but forced to face the truth, Wasyl wrestles with the question: Is it kinder to keep secrets, or to deal with them honestly and openly even if it hurts? Wasyl is about to find out.

Journey back in time to the poignant era of the coal mines in the heart of Pennsylvania, where Wasyls Story unfolds, the second captivating installment in Jayne M Booth's Rocked in the Cradle of Coal series. Immerse yourself in Wasyls compelling narrative as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his father, whose life was tragically cut short in a mining accident, leaving a void in Wasyls heart and a thirst for answers.

Wasyls Story is a poignant and evocative tale that explores the complexities of family, the enduring bonds of community, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through Wasyls raw and honest account, readers are transported to a bygone era, where life was both harsh and beautiful, and the echoes of the past reverberate through the present.

Jayne M Booth's evocative storytelling brings Wasyls Story to life, capturing the essence of a time and place where the coal mines were the heart and soul of the community, shaping destinies and leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who lived and worked there. As Wasyls journey takes him from the depths of despair to moments of hope and redemption, readers are captivated by the intricacies of his quest and the profound impact it has on his life.

With its rich historical detail and poignant portrayal of human resilience, Wasyls Story is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the coal mining industry, the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people, and the enduring power of family bonds. Discover the secrets of Wasyls past and witness his transformation as he uncovers the truth about his father's life and legacy.