This is an effort to look into the impact of centuries of coal mining on the Appalachian mountains and the people who call this place home. The narrator bears witness to the environmental impact, the changing culture, and the dependence on mining of a once self-sufficient mountain people. It is the story of a culture in decline, a struggle to survive in a one industry economy. It also expresses hope for new ...Full description
This is an effort to look into the impact of centuries of coal mining on the Appalachian mountains and the people who call this place home. The narrator bears witness to the environmental impact, the changing culture, and the dependence on mining of a once self-sufficient mountain people. It is the story of a culture in decline, a struggle to survive in a one industry economy. It also expresses hope for new ideas and strong people dedicated to solving these inherited problems.