Official Review: A Scab is no Son of Mine by Stephen Whyles
-
Amera7
- Posts: 16
- Joined: 21 Mar 2015, 17:55
- Bookshelf Size: 0
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amera7.html
- Latest Review: "A Scab is no Son of Mine" by Stephen Whyles
Official Review: A Scab is no Son of Mine by Stephen Whyles
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Scab is no Son of Mine" by Stephen Whyles.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
This is a non-fiction story that takes place in the United Kingdom. It portrays the closing of a large mine that employed more than 800 miners. The story line portrays the reactions of a community while undergoing a major mine strike in 1984-1985. It vividly shows how differences of opinion can bring out the worst in a community. The tale takes place in Great Britain, in a small town called Whitwell near Worksop. It shows how the government is considering having some of the mines closed due to low profitability. When the community goes on strike, Stephen Whyles, decides to continue to work. By crossing the picket line Ian Whyles (Stephen's father) feels that his son has portrayed him, vowing not to ever speak to him again. For 30 years Ian Whyles holds this grudge. Strangely enough Ian Whyles forgave others in the community, for crossing the picket line, (according to Stephen), but until his death never forgave his son. The book describes the fear and anxiety that Stephen felt, especially on his first day going back to work. It is quite interesting as it details the armoured buses and the protective gear of the police while escorting Stephen. The story continues as the author portrays some of the events that occurred throughout his life. He describes how when he was a child, how his mother treated him indifferent, details about his close relationship with his grandmother, and his rewarding relationship with his father-in law.
I rated this book a 4 out of 4.
The reason why is because it actually teaches the reader many things. I am a believer that authors are in a unique position to teach and enlighten. Not many of us here in America have experiences with British coal mines. Not many of us know nor understand the coal mine lingo or lifestyle. This book takes you by the hand and helps you to understand that world.
It also brings to light how a union works and how desperately important they are. I have never read a book that so lightly and easily shows the vital importance of a union, how it protects the people and how it is structured. In ‘A Scab is No Son of Mine’, it also reveals how a union head – such as Arthur Scargill (leader of the NUM) can abuse his authority as a union leader. In this book due to union authority being abused; a national ballot was not observed, which some feel caused the mines to close. Stephen also drives home the fact that common sense is something that should never be discarded. You cannot close a mine for a year; go on strike, and still expect a mine to be profitable and survive.
I did enjoy how the author continues to teach in other areas of life, by reliving traumatizing moments in his childhood. He explains how he never felt that his mother wanted him there. I say that to say: Child abuse is not just physical, child abuse is not just verbal, child abuse is not just neglect of food and shelter, but it is also, as in Stephen’s case ‘emotional’ neglect. Stephen according to his writings experienced massive ‘emotional’ neglect. When he met Debbie, his last wife, she was the one that really truly began to heal that childhood trauma. It took Stephen almost a lifetime to meet Debbie. She appeared to have a unique, special, genuine loving personality, within this relationship Stephen was able to begin to heal. As I read this story I was emotionally enticed and involved. I was also drawn into the story, by Frank's (Stephen’s father-in-law) emotional support and backing. I was surprised to find out that Frank was promoting the strike, whereas Stephen was persistently against it, which beautifully shows how two people can agree to disagree.
I did have a negative experience however while reading this book. Prior to the strike the writing seem to be long and drawn out. The author does need to be careful about the reader losing interest. As an author you do not want to fantasy or exaggerate a story, I am not saying that at all, however it is good sometimes to get to the point. Some of the pages prior to the strike, could have simply been left out. The author has to keep in mind that a book can be read by people from all over the world. These people all have different attention spans, different likes and different interests! As an author you do not want a reader to put your book down frustrated, because they are going to remember that last uncomfortable feeling. That feeling is now associated with your book, and that will prevent the reader from finishing your book, or suggesting your book to someone else.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was different and the author’s experiences were unique. The book contained an abundance of information. I now know quite a bit about coal mining! The flow of the storyline was smooth and interesting and I was glad to pick the book up the next day and continue to read. I could not take my eyes off the pages when it was revealed that the mines were actually closing after all of the striking. And when Stephen’s father passed away that was truly, truly sad. Lastly, I almost collapsed from the suspense, waiting to see if Stephen would get his last job as Health and Safety Manager! I would recommend this book at the drop of a hat. It is excellent reading!
******
A Scab is no Son of Mine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Like Amera7's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
This is a non-fiction story that takes place in the United Kingdom. It portrays the closing of a large mine that employed more than 800 miners. The story line portrays the reactions of a community while undergoing a major mine strike in 1984-1985. It vividly shows how differences of opinion can bring out the worst in a community. The tale takes place in Great Britain, in a small town called Whitwell near Worksop. It shows how the government is considering having some of the mines closed due to low profitability. When the community goes on strike, Stephen Whyles, decides to continue to work. By crossing the picket line Ian Whyles (Stephen's father) feels that his son has portrayed him, vowing not to ever speak to him again. For 30 years Ian Whyles holds this grudge. Strangely enough Ian Whyles forgave others in the community, for crossing the picket line, (according to Stephen), but until his death never forgave his son. The book describes the fear and anxiety that Stephen felt, especially on his first day going back to work. It is quite interesting as it details the armoured buses and the protective gear of the police while escorting Stephen. The story continues as the author portrays some of the events that occurred throughout his life. He describes how when he was a child, how his mother treated him indifferent, details about his close relationship with his grandmother, and his rewarding relationship with his father-in law.
I rated this book a 4 out of 4.
The reason why is because it actually teaches the reader many things. I am a believer that authors are in a unique position to teach and enlighten. Not many of us here in America have experiences with British coal mines. Not many of us know nor understand the coal mine lingo or lifestyle. This book takes you by the hand and helps you to understand that world.
It also brings to light how a union works and how desperately important they are. I have never read a book that so lightly and easily shows the vital importance of a union, how it protects the people and how it is structured. In ‘A Scab is No Son of Mine’, it also reveals how a union head – such as Arthur Scargill (leader of the NUM) can abuse his authority as a union leader. In this book due to union authority being abused; a national ballot was not observed, which some feel caused the mines to close. Stephen also drives home the fact that common sense is something that should never be discarded. You cannot close a mine for a year; go on strike, and still expect a mine to be profitable and survive.
I did enjoy how the author continues to teach in other areas of life, by reliving traumatizing moments in his childhood. He explains how he never felt that his mother wanted him there. I say that to say: Child abuse is not just physical, child abuse is not just verbal, child abuse is not just neglect of food and shelter, but it is also, as in Stephen’s case ‘emotional’ neglect. Stephen according to his writings experienced massive ‘emotional’ neglect. When he met Debbie, his last wife, she was the one that really truly began to heal that childhood trauma. It took Stephen almost a lifetime to meet Debbie. She appeared to have a unique, special, genuine loving personality, within this relationship Stephen was able to begin to heal. As I read this story I was emotionally enticed and involved. I was also drawn into the story, by Frank's (Stephen’s father-in-law) emotional support and backing. I was surprised to find out that Frank was promoting the strike, whereas Stephen was persistently against it, which beautifully shows how two people can agree to disagree.
I did have a negative experience however while reading this book. Prior to the strike the writing seem to be long and drawn out. The author does need to be careful about the reader losing interest. As an author you do not want to fantasy or exaggerate a story, I am not saying that at all, however it is good sometimes to get to the point. Some of the pages prior to the strike, could have simply been left out. The author has to keep in mind that a book can be read by people from all over the world. These people all have different attention spans, different likes and different interests! As an author you do not want a reader to put your book down frustrated, because they are going to remember that last uncomfortable feeling. That feeling is now associated with your book, and that will prevent the reader from finishing your book, or suggesting your book to someone else.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was different and the author’s experiences were unique. The book contained an abundance of information. I now know quite a bit about coal mining! The flow of the storyline was smooth and interesting and I was glad to pick the book up the next day and continue to read. I could not take my eyes off the pages when it was revealed that the mines were actually closing after all of the striking. And when Stephen’s father passed away that was truly, truly sad. Lastly, I almost collapsed from the suspense, waiting to see if Stephen would get his last job as Health and Safety Manager! I would recommend this book at the drop of a hat. It is excellent reading!
******
A Scab is no Son of Mine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Like Amera7's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "A Scab is no Son of Mine" by Stephen Whyles
-
stevewhyles
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 15 Jan 2015, 07:03
- Bookshelf Size: 0
Thank you for your kind words, I am glad you got the story exactly the way I tried to portray it.
-
Amera7
- Posts: 16
- Joined: 21 Mar 2015, 17:55
- Bookshelf Size: 0
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amera7.html
- Latest Review: "A Scab is no Son of Mine" by Stephen Whyles
Yes, Thank you for replying. I have a knack for discerning what an author is trying to express. So many times a thought can be misconstrued. The key is, if the reader can interpret the author's meaning and personality then the reading of the book is so much more pleasant! Hope to hear from you again, and good luck on your future endeavors. I'll spread the word about this inspiring story!
Latest Review: "A Scab is no Son of Mine" by Stephen Whyles
