Four couples—Stefan and Anna, Cyril and Adriana, Jan and Katarina, and Emil and Edita—fled their European homes, desperate to escape the poverty, war, and tyranny of kings and emperors. Seeking a better life, they embarked for America, relocating to coal towns in eastern Pennsylvania. But in these company-owned towns, dreams faded. They lived in squalor, faced discrimination and endured danger in the mines. In the summer of 1897, unrest erupted among miners in the coal towns and spread to their villages. Growing activism among Slavic and other immigrant groups, with their call to join the United Mine Workers of America, compelled them to react. Anna feared for her family but understood the need for the strike. Stefan, still haunted by images of a war that never left him, was cautious, worried the consequences would be too dire. Adriana and Cyril, angry at the working and living conditions in Lattimer, were ready to shut down the mine, no matter the methods. Jan and Katarina were forced to make a painful decision. Emil, with wife Edita and a young family to support, joined the union and was among the strikers who marched to Lattimer on September 10, 1897. On that fateful day, the local sheriff and his deputies met the oncoming protesters, confronting and then murdering nineteen and wounding thirty-nine more. Emil survived and agreed to be a witness at the trial of Sheriff Martin and his deputies. "The Road to Lattimer" chronicles their stories. "It's obvious the author has done in-depth research and was able to put together an excellent narrative!" Arleigh Ordoyne, Historical Novel Society "It is clear that Ms. Rafferty has used her background skills in the carefully researched details of Eastern European immigrants of the late 1800s. It is equally clear that she has had experience in transforming complex ideas into concise narrative. This is what all historical fiction should strive for- entertaining while informing." David R. Ossont, co-author of The Ghosts of Saratoga What readers are saying about The Road to Lattimer "The history of immigration and the mines and miners was fascinating. Brought up many questions and a lively discussion in our book club. The four main couples in the book made history come alive. I highly recommend this book." - "The characters were so well written and engaging. You really cared what happened to them." - "Because of Ms. Rafferty's brilliant use of descriptive wording and use of various writing techniques, the characters became real to me. I was able to relate, and feel their fear, frustration, strength, and ultimately the love that made it possible for them to survive." - "It's a story of survival that transports the reader to the realities and struggles encountered by many immigrants who came to America to work." - "It is an extremely well-written book. I read it slowly, because every page was a treasure."   An interview with Virginia Rafferty author of The Road to Lattimer.    Why did you write The Road to Lattimer?   A WW1 draft registration record found on ancestry gave me clues about the lives of my immigrant ancestors who lived near Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Other documents revealed that two generations of my family worked for the A. Pardee Coal company in Lattimer, Pennsylvania. In my effort to understand their experiences in America, I learned of the horrific conditions in coal patch towns, exploitation of immigrant labor, child labor, and, ultimately the strike of 1897 that led to the Lattimer Massacre. It was a story I needed to tell.  Do you use a professional editor? If not, what do you do to ensure a quality book?  I did use a professional copy editor at one phase of the editing process. I also had the assistance of friends and family, each offering different perspectives and areas of expertise. The final draft of my novel was edited by Chris Fenwick of Sunbury Press.  Do your characters come to you fully formed with names and backgrounds?   For me the characters evolve as the story progresses. Overtime, they seem to take on a life of their own.    Do you write with a theme or message in mind?   Yes. History has mostly ignored the massacre at Lattimer that took place on September 10, 1897. I wanted to tell the story.  What is the best writing/marketing advice you've been given?   Join a writers' group, whether it's local or national. Go to a few conferences. Learn the craft.  Do you read your reviews?  Definitely. I read all of the reviews and appreciate hearing from my readers. Writers rely on reviews to help other readers make future purchasing decisions. More than that, understanding that my novels touched a reader, taught them something they didn't know before, or simply provided a welcome interlude brings immense satisfaction.  The Lattimer Massacre was a historical event. Can you recommend further reading on this topic?   Michael Novak's novel, The Guns of Lattimer, gives a vivid account of the events leading to the massacre.    Are you on social