Holding the Line

AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW

From the multi-million copy bestselling author Demon Copperhead: a true story of female-led resilience during the Great Arizona Mine Strike of 1983 - now available for the first time in the UK.

Set in the searing summer of 1983, Holding the Line immerses readers in the gritty and emotional landscape of the Phelps Dodge mine strike. Barbara Kingsolver, an emerging voice in journalism at that time, intertwines her journey as a writer with the harrowing experiences of the mining community. Her assignment to cover the strike quickly spirals into a heartfelt commitment as she becomes woven into the fabric of the miners' lives. Kingsolver meticulously documents the daily trials and triumphant resilience of the miners and their families, particularly focusing on the women—wives, sisters, and daughters—who took an extraordinary stand against injustice. Facing economic destitution and societal negligence, these women exhibit unparalleled courage and solidarity, giving a voice to their plight and demanding to be heard. Through Kingsolver's compelling narrative, readers witness the stark reality of civil rights erosion and the relentless fight for justice. The book not only chronicles the struggle but also delves into the transformative power of unity and resistance. It paints a vivid picture of how the fierce determination of a few can ignite a broader quest for equity, making sparks fly between the forces of oppression and the human spirit. '[Kingsolver] means to save us by telling us stories . . . She comes closer than anyone else I know.' ANNE PATCHETT

'Clear and emotional . . . This is a report from the trenches of where the political meets the personal.' JOHN SAYLES

Holding the Line is a poignant testament to the power of storytelling and the impact one determined author can have in enlightening and mobilising her audience. Kingsolver's intimate portrayal and her dedication to uncovering these personal histories shine through every page, making this not just a book, but a powerful document of human resilience and female empowerment. FROM THE WINNER OF THE PULITZER AND WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2023