Taylor Brown

I woke up this morning to this review of Rednecks from Shaun Slifer, Creative Director at the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum. I have to say this one means one hell of a lot to me coming from someone who knows the story, material, and minutiae so well.

“That’s the power of fiction…the force of bringing the story right to your gut and making you feel it in a way that a work of straight history may never be able to make ‘real’, including and in particular the most uncomfortable parts. Taylor Brown’s forthcoming novel Rednecks is this kind of book, and it’s an absolute stick of dynamite.”

One of the most rewarding aspects is that Shaun, who designs the museum’s exhibitions and works hands-on cataloguing the museum’s many artifacts from the era, is in a rare position to recognize the deep digging for authenticity and detail that went into the book — the way it was built from the dirt up, from old shell casings and transcripts, obscure photos and actual objects from the battle itself.

“I found myself nodding along at so many little details while reading Rednecks, constantly registering the historical facts and sources that Taylor was working with. I couldn’t help it, I’ve been digesting the minutiae of this history for years, and so I could tell you that Taylor has ‘done his research’, but that’s honestly selling it short. He’s dug about as deep as you can go, pulling experiences from everywhere: from obscure photo captions and court transcripts, oral histories and actual objects on exhibit in the museum, building a novel from the grains of historical reality, piece by piece by piece.”

I just want to thank Shaun and everyone at the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum for all of the work they do to unbury and illuminate this vital piece of history.  Y’all go see them in Matewan!

A pencil pressed into a shell casing, found at Adkins Fork.

And if you haven’t preordered Rednecks yet, you can do it right here: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/rednecks/

I don’t normally share reviews, but I received this very kind early review from a long-time reader, Randal White.

In less than 10 years, author Taylor Brown has developed into a undeniable force. About every two years, he turns out a new novel that one just cannot put down. “The River of Kings” and “Gods of Howl Mountain” are two of my favorite books of recent times. I honestly did not think he would ever be able to reproduce that level of writing again. Then I received an ARC of “Rednecks”, his latest novel (to be published in May 2024). Wow! Was I ever wrong in doubting his ability! I dare say Rednecks is his best work yet.

The book is set in the early 1920’s, in the coal fields of West Virginia. It’s the story of the underdog coal miners against, well, everyone else…the coal barons, the hired thugs of the companies, and even the government. I wasn’t familiar with the “war” that went on there, but am totally shocked at it now. HOW did this happen? It gives me a much deeper appreciation of the struggles and sacrifices of so many to unionize.

This is an incredible story! I guarantee that once you begin reading it, you will not rest until you finish it. Brown has written a great narrative of the war, using many varied characters. Each is well developed and feels real. The way he writes, you can see the landscapes, smell the gun smoke and sweat, taste the fear in the people, hear the guns as well as the silences. It’s all here. You will become immersed in the settings, and actually flinch when a gun goes off in the story.

At the end, you’re exhausted, unaware that anyone could write to make you feel such a range of emotions. And you will sit back in your chair, take a deep breath, and realize how lucky we are today because of the sacrifices of the people before us. I’m glad Brown only releases a book every two years, I honestly need the time in between to recover from the last one!

Three Things You Can Do to Support Rednecks

There are three things that would really support the book at this early and important juncture — I’d be so grateful if you considered them.

1. Add Rednecks to your Goodreads shelf.

2. Pre-order a signed copy from E. Shaver Booksellers.
(Or pre-order from your favorite retailer).

3. Forward this email to a friend or share this post on your social media.