Deep Down A Tale of the Cornish Mines

by R.M. Ballantyne

In this heart-warming tale of love, life, laughter, and tragedy (with some smuggling thrown in), travel back in time to explore life set amongst the people living near the tin and copper mines of St. Just, Cornwall, in the mid-nineteenth century. During the mid-1860s, R.M. Ballantyne spent over three months living amongst the Cornish mineworkers of St. Just. There, amidst the dangers of the deep mines, a story of courage, contentment, and adversity takes place, encouraging young readers to be grateful for the many blessings we all enjoy of home and faith. Ballantyne incorporates into his novel many historical facts, producing an exciting and very accurate portrayal of Victorian tin and copper mining and everyday Cornish life. (Goodreads)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Classics, Travel, Childrens, Research

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2019

About the author

R. M. Ballantyne was a Scottish writer of juvenile fiction.

Born Robert Michael Ballantyne in Edinburgh, he was part of a famous family of printers and publishers. At the age of 16 he went to Canada and where he served for six years with the Hudson's Bay Company. He returned to Scotland in 1847, and published his first book the following year, Hudson's Bay: or Life in the Wilds of North America. For some time he was employed by Messrs Constable, the publishers, but in 1856 he gave up business for literature, and began the series of adventure stories for the young with which his name is popularly associated.

Reviews

[Leanne Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an old book about tin mining in Cornwall during the 1800's. I ordered the ebook version from Kindle because my great-grandfather originated from Cornwall and my father believed he may have been a tin miner. My family history research revealed that my ancestors were, in fact, blacksmiths, but they would have been closely involved with tin mining on the coast near Holy Well Bay. The novel gave me some excellent insight into the conditions inside the mines as well as the village life above ground.
While the style of the writing is old-fashioned and the story is made up of many smaller stories, it does follow a couple of main threads. To me, the most interesting aspect of the book was the description of mining practices and what happened when things went wrong. Those Cornish miners were extraordinarily strong and brave.

[Levi W. A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it a 7 out of 10. 🌟📚

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I really enjoyed this book. I’ve always had a fascination for miners’ lives and this book was so cool. I loved how deeply their faith impacted their lives (but I wish Olivier had been saved!!). I really loved Oliver (we need more stories with Doctor MCs) & Penrose & David & Zackey, & the Battens. There were a couple mentions of swimming bare; the miners habitually went shirtless; there were also some mentions of drinking & smoking (not glorified); & a hint at a kiss. The story was real, bittersweet, & exciting, and I LOVE how he added the Cornish dialect!!

A Favourite Quote: “‘Your loss is a heavy one—very heavy,’ said Oliver, with hesitation in his tone, for he felt some difficulty in attempting to comfort one in so hopeless a condition.
“‘True, sur, true,’ replied the man in a tone of cheerful resignation that surprised the doctor, ‘but it might have been worse; “the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord!”’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Oh, uncle David,’ cried little Grace, jumping up and running towards him, “‘do help me nuss baby.’
“‘What’s the matter with the cheeld—bad, eh? Fetch un to me and I’ll cure him.’
“There was no necessity to fetch baby, for that obstreperous individual entertained an immense regard for ‘Unkil Day,’ and was already on his fat legs staggering across the floor to him with outstretched arms. Thereafter he only required a pair of wings to make him a complete cherub.”

[Joseph Burk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this Ballantyne book, but it wasn't exactly spectacular or anything. I really enjoyed the main character, Oliver Trembath. Trembath is a young doctor who travels to the Cornwall district in England where there are many tin mines and such. You can learn much about the mines from this book. There are rum smugglers in this book, speculations, and many other adventures. The romance, however, was a little cheesy, unlike other Ballantyne books (e.g. Post Haste.) But, overall it was good, just not Ballantyne's best work.

[Cockneylen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, mainly because I knew many of the places where everything took place. However, there's really not much of a story, and many of the events seem to be based on historical events, which is neither good or bad. A pleasant enough read, but not sure I would have enjoyed it much if I hadn't known the area.

[Ken Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read if you want to go back to a different time. The story is from the 1800s and keeps you wanting more. I discovered this book after reading Ballantyne's, "Coral Island".

[Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good