Book Review: THE WOMEN OF COPPER COUNTRY by Mary Doria Russell

The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"A life lived for others is a life well lived. Make one life a little easier, the whole world gets better in time. Work for the common good, and a good life will become more common."

This was my 5th Mary Doria Russell novel and she does not disappoint. There are two broad types of MDR novels: either a sweeping sci-fi/philosophy novel in the tradition of THE SPARROW (her undisputed masterpiece), or historical fiction highlighting an event that time has forgotten (like A THREAD OF GRACE).

THE WOMEN OF THE COPPER COUNTRY falls under the latter category. It ends with the Italian Hall Disaster of 1913, and that scene simply broke my heart.

MDR novels really should come with a warning, though: read with tissue. Be ready with plenty of ice cream after (or in my case, bibingka malagkit! Hurray!)

Behold Annie Clements (alternatively spelled Clemenc), the American "Joan of Arc" whose height and strength made her the leader of a union strike in Calumet, Michigan. Born to a town where everything and everyone was the private property of Calumet & Hecla, which at one time was the biggest copper producer globally, the reader bears witness to one woman's struggle against destiny, against rich men, all in the name of generations yet unborn.

"She still believes in the common good, and that's what the country needs right now."

Be warned, though, that MDR is not a romance writer. There are no happy ever afters in novels meant to highlight past wrongs, bringing its readers to see the uncomfortable truth: social evils in the name of capitalism are yet painfully present today.

It's impossible not to draw parallelisms with a similar figurehead in Philippine politics today, one whose optimism and sheer decency have become a symbol of hope for millions. She attracts fellow Filipinos who share her idealism and belief that together, we can still save the tomorrows of our children.

Today, several of her opponent's followers released posters claiming that this son-of-a-thief has practically won the elections already, and that the voting is a mere formality. While we ponder the disturbing implications (a bought-and-sold outcome?), there are those of us who believe that there are still more good-hearted, honest Filipinos than cynical ones. That there are more of us who will fight for long-term good, and not short-term financial gain by selling our votes. That we have fought this same political evil before, and can beat it again.

"Is it worth it?"
"Maybe not for us... but we plant the seeds of justice, and justice will rise out of all this muck someday... I believe in the future. I do. One day, life will be better for the ones who come after us."

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