Description
ONE BIG UNION
Book Summary
This historical and social novel transports the reader to the turbulent America of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, following in the footsteps of Robert Coates, an Irish immigrant fleeing famine in search of the American dream. Through his journey, Valerio Evangelisti weaves an epic of labor struggle, exploring the origins of revolutionary syndicalism and the brutal reality of industrial exploitation. The reader will find a work of contemporary fiction that combines rigorous historical setting with a gripping narrative, revealing the human cost of progress and the strength of solidarity.
What is it about?
The novel chronicles the life of Robert Coates, a young Irishman who, driven by poverty, emigrates to the United States. Far from finding the promised land, he encounters a country in the midst of industrialization where inequality is fierce and workers are treated as disposable cogs. Sharing campfires and hardships with other outcasts, Coates becomes immersed in the labor struggles shaking the country. The plot follows his personal evolution as he faces employer violence, political corruption, and repression, and discovers the power of collective organization. Evangelisti reconstructs in detail the context of the formation of the first unions, the wildcat strikes, and the ideology of the labor movement, offering a social fresco of a crucial era in modern history.
Main Themes
- Immigration and the harsh reality of the American dream.
- Class struggle and the origins of revolutionary syndicalism.
- Labor exploitation and living conditions in the industrial age.
- Worker solidarity and the power of collective organization.
- Institutional violence and repression of the labor movement.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at readers interested in historical fiction with a strong social and political component. It is especially recommended for those who enjoy novels that explore the history of the labor movement, trade union struggles, and the lives of immigrants in the United States. It will also be attractive to those seeking an epic, well-documented narrative with complex characters, far removed from complacent accounts of progress.
What this book offers
- A documented and vivid immersion into the industrial America of the late 19th century, a key period in contemporary history.
- A deep perspective on the origins and ideology of revolutionary syndicalism, narrated through a personal experience.
- A critical reflection on concepts such as progress, freedom, and social justice, far from simplistic narratives.
- A work of fiction that humanizes and gives a voice to the anonymous protagonists of history, the workers who forged the foundations of labor rights.
Technical Data
- Author: EVANGELISTI, VALERIO
- Publisher: HOJA DE LATA EDITORIAL
- Language: Spanish
- Theme: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION
- Collection: SENSIBLES A LAS LETRAS
- Binding: Paperback
- Edition Date: April 2024
- Number of pages: 448
- Weight: 1091 g
Editorial Assessment
Valerio Evangelisti, recognized for his ability to merge historical rigor and narrative fiction, offers a work of great depth in "One Big Union." The novel stands out for its meticulous recreation of the era and for its commitment to the workers' perspective, moving away from traditional epic tales. Its length and thematic density make it a demanding but rewarding read for the reader interested in social history and class struggle. It is, without a doubt, a relevant title within the "Sensibles a las Letras" collection, providing a critical and necessary look at a fundamental chapter of American history.