Copperopolis

This story, based upon the real life of the author's great, great grandfather, is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, an excellent romantic tale of devotional love, set against a detail-rich nautical backdrop. The highs and lows of the long-distance loving relationship between Margaret, homemaker and mother, and her husband John, master mariner, are closely and sympathetically examined, as he sails away for months on end while she stays home with an ever growing family. Contemporary descriptions of characters, locations, houses indoors and out, beaches, ports, ships, and oceans, all are top-notch - we are taken and placed right in the middle of mid-Victorian life, hardships and all, so that we too are living it; in particular the dangerous heavy-sea passages rounding Cape Horn are truly and excitingly vivid. Set mostly in S Wales at a time of great change and innovation, the business and practical sides of shipping under sail are nicely interwoven, as is the burgeoning steamship competition and an awakening awareness of the harms created by copper smelting. The writing style offers a no-nonsense pace giving the story easy momentum towards an ending that is both moving and uplifting. The after-notes too are interesting and informative. Highly recommended.

If you love sea stories, this book is for you. The author immerses us in her characters, the times, and the setting with deep knowledge and thorough research. John runs away to sea from his life on the farm, Margaret dreams of the freedom of sailing to distant ports. They fall in love and marry. As the story progressed, I learned about the maritime and Copper industries in nineteenth century Wales. The descriptions of rounding Cape Horn were thrilling and accurate (I've rounded the Horn several times) I came to care about John and Margaret, their challenges and trials. As events progressed, the tension grew until I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended!

Copperopolis is a sweeping, heartfelt epic, which exposes the bones of the industries that built Swansea as well as the hearts of the people who worked them. An honest, lyrical debut.

As a fan of historical fiction and books about sailing and the sea, this was right up my street. Copperopolis is a really good read that brings Victorian Swansea and its copper industry to life. I was previously unaware of Swansea’s history in copper, and found it vividly brought to life in the novel. As an amateur sailor, I particularly enjoyed the sailing and sea voyages. The sailing terminology was spot on throughout, making it clear that the author draws on personal experience of being at sea rather than relying solely on research. The stark contrasts between the lives and opportunities of men and women during this period, and between wealthy ship and smelter owners and their workers, are strong themes throughout the book. Knowing that the story draws on real family history gives it an added depth and authenticity. An engaging way to discover a fascinating piece of history, and a book I’m very glad I read.

The detail and care that the author has taken in meticulously researching this novel is prevalent on every page. This is a sweeping, epic tale of the 19th century transatlantic copper boom era set in Swansea. The world building of life at sea and life in this Welsh city well over 100 years ago is authentic and atmospheric - I especially loved the seascape descriptions and changeable Welsh weather conditions that transported me as the reader into the Copperopolis world. The parallels between power and wealth inequality, and climate and health justice issues in Swansea and overseas territories over a century ago, and the issues we face globally today, are both challenging and thought provoking. Copperopolis is a formidable and enjoyable read.