Blood and Coal - The Story of a Nottingham Mining Family

Published 1st September 2024

This book is the story of a Nottingham mining family from 1900 to the present day. Set in Bulwell, Sherwood and Cotgrave, the story is narrated by the last surviving member of the family, and brings local and social history alive.

Members of the family are given their own voice. Grandfather Chum, who smuggled opium in Canton, great-uncle Ernest, who was the first sailor to be killed by a German submarine and Grandfather Bill, who charmed the ladies.

Once they have been given their voice, they each turn on the narrator and accuse her of misinterpreting them: “what did you ever know about hard work, poverty and grief?” The contrast between the modern period and the past is strongly drawn.

The book contains a number of imaginary conversations, which never took place. There are communications between family members of different generations eg. between two young men killed before their time and between an alienated father and son.

Finally, the author asks how ideas of morality and trauma are passed down the generations, and places herself in relation to the men and women of her tribe. How did she get from there to here? Is happiness and fulfillment passed down through the genes?

About the author

Sue Harper was a Professor of Film History, and has written many books on British cinema. Her book of short stories, The Dark Nest, was published by Egaeus Press in 2020 and sold out quickly.

Her website is www.sueharper.co.uk, and her YouTube channel is sueharpershortstories. She comes from Nottingham, and Blood and Coal is based on her family. 

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129 Pages

ISBN - 9781780916613

Ebook - 9781781563564 (Available on Amazon)