Books matching: working conditions
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- #1
Save:In "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, readers are taken on a journey through the harsh realities faced by immigrant workers in the meatpacking industry of Chicago in the early 1900s. The protagonist, Jurgis, and his family struggle to survive in a world filled with corruption, filth, and exploitation. The book vividly describes the deplorable working conditions, political corruption, and the evils of capitalism that the characters endure, ultimately leading Jurgis towards the Socialist movement. The narrative provides a gut-wrenching look at the challenges faced by the working class during a time of urbanization and industrialization, highlighting the need for social and political reform.
IT WAS four o‘clock when the ceremony was over and the carriages began to arrive. There had been a crowd following all the way, owing to the exuberance of Marija Berczynskas. The occasion rested heavi... - #2
Save:The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell is a compelling exploration of the working and unemployed classes in industrial towns of northern England in the 1930s. Orwell vividly describes the grim living and working conditions of coal miners, shedding light on poverty and hardship reminiscent of Dickensian times. The book seamlessly transitions into a discussion on socialism, where Orwell argues for its importance in alleviating societal issues rooted in industrialization and machine civilization, while reflecting on his own upbringing and class prejudice.
There were generally four of us in the bedroom, and a beastly place it was, with that defiled impermanent look of rooms that are not serving their rightful purpose. Years earlier the house had been an... - #3
Save:Emile Zola's 'Germinal' is a powerful novel that delves into the lives of coal miners in Northern France during the 1860s. The book vividly portrays the harsh working conditions, the desperate poverty of the miners' families, and the contrast with the bourgeois managers. Through the lens of a coal miners' strike, Zola explores themes of social injustice, labor movements, and the human struggle for better living conditions. The writing style is described as brutally honest, committed, and unrelenting, capturing the reader's attention with its vivid descriptions and deep exploration of human relationships in the face of adversity.
Out on the open plain, on a starless, ink-dark night, a lone man was following the highway from Marchiennes to Montsou, ten kilometres of paved road that cut directly across the fields of beet. He cou... - #4
Save:In Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama, readers are transported to rural China in 1926, where a group of women working in a silk factory forge a sisterhood amidst the harsh conditions. The story follows Pei, a young girl sent to work in the factory by her family, who grows into womanhood while facing long hours and sending her pay back to the family who abandoned her. The narrative explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the struggle for freedom as the women organize a strike against the factory owner for better working conditions and wages, set against the backdrop of the looming Japanese invasion of China.
Women of the Silk is a beautifully written novel that brings its characters and setting to life, moving at a steady pace that allows for natural character and relationship development. The story delves into the bonds of friendship and the strength of women, portraying the struggles and resilience of Pei and her fellow workers in the silk factory. The book captures the essence of Chinese history and women's emancipation, offering a poignant tale of innocence lost and the acceptance of inevitable changes in the face of adversity.
Her first memory of pain was an image of her mother. Pei was three or four the first time, and the same thing that had happened then was happening now. Her mother’s moans almost woke her from this day... - #5
Save:'The Day the Cowboys Quit' by Elmer Kelton is a gripping tale set in the late 19th Century western ranch life, focusing on a labor strike that unfolds in the Texas Panhandle. The story delves into the conflicts between big money influence and personal freedom, showcasing the struggles of cowboys facing corporate encroachment and the changing dynamics of the frontier. Kelton's writing style expertly weaves historical context with captivating characters, bringing to life the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the midst of societal transformations.
IN LATER YEARS PEOPLE OFTEN ASKED HUGH Hitchcock about the Canadian River cowboy strike of 1883. If they were strangers he looked them over carefully before he answered, and sometimes he did not answe... - #6
Save:'Forever & Ever' by Patricia Gaffney is a story about love across class differences. Sophie, the heroine, inherits her father's copper mine near the village of Wyckerley, while Connor, the hero, comes from a poor Cornish mining background. Connor, a reformer, goes undercover to work in Sophie's mine to expose unsafe practices, leading to an unlikely love affair between the two. The plot revolves around their relationship, struggles, and eventual marriage, showcasing the challenges they face due to their differences in background and personality. The writing style is described as beautiful, moving, emotionally intense, and well-researched, with characters that are flawed yet realistic and engaging.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wyckerley ) Friedrich Engels' classic book, 'The Condition of the Working Class in England', provides a detailed analysis of the harsh living and working conditions faced by the working class during the Industrial Revolution. Engels delves into the deplorable state of the workers, describing their physical deformities, poor nutrition, and meager living conditions. Through vivid descriptions, Engels paints a grim picture of the exploitation and suffering endured by the working class in 19th century England. The book combines historical insights with incisive philosophical commentary, written from the perspective of an outsider deeply moved by the plight of the working class.
- #8
Save:'A History of America in Ten Strikes' by Erik Loomis is a well-researched account of the history of the labor movement in the United States. The book delves into the significant strikes that shaped the working class, while also discussing broader issues affecting Americans at the time. Loomis highlights the struggles of working men and women uniting to improve their working conditions and personal lives, against the backdrop of the general narrative of US history. The author emphasizes the importance of unions representing the interests of workers and electing officials who support those interests through legislation.
When Christopher Columbus stumbled across the Americas in 1492, he had specific ideas about work, who would do it, and who would benefit. So did the European nations that followed him: Spain and Portu... 'Behind the Urals: An American Worker in Russia's City of Steel' by John Scott is a first-hand account of an American worker who went to work in 1932 at the steel city of Magnitogorsk in the Soviet Union. The book details the industrialization efforts in the Urals, the living and working conditions, the social moods, corruption, repression, and heroism witnessed by the author during his time there. Scott's writing style captures the raw courage and physical stamina of both himself and the Russian workers as they worked towards building an immense industrial complex in the face of harsh conditions.
The book provides insights into the evil genius of Stalin, the determination to industrialize the country at all costs, and the sacrifices made by the workers to build a better future. It also touches upon the author's motivations for going to the USSR, his disillusionment with the socialist system, and his observations on the Soviet workers and the central economic planning system.
I was smitten with the usual wanderlust. The United Slates did not seem adequate. I decided to go somewhere else. I had already been in Europe three times. Now I projected more far-flung excursions. P...- #10
Save:"Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type" by Doreen Cronin is a delightful and humorous story about farm animals, particularly cows, who find a typewriter and start making demands to Farmer Brown through written notes. The cows request electric blankets to keep warm, leading to a negotiation with the farmer. As the cows refuse to produce milk until their demands are met, other animals on the farm join in the communication via the typewriter, creating a series of entertaining events. The plot involves a strike, humorous interactions between the animals and Farmer Brown, and a resolution that involves compromise and understanding.
The writing style of the book is engaging and entertaining, with repetitive phrases like "Click, clack, moo" that capture the attention of young readers. The story incorporates themes of negotiation, communication, and problem-solving in a lighthearted and comical manner. The illustrations by Betsy Lewin complement the text, adding to the humor and charm of the narrative, making it an enjoyable read for children and adults alike.
