Calling the Piper's Tune is a novel set in a historical context. The central character, Thomas Hasting, must become the savior of his own sacred world. He is the operator of an independent, failing coal mine located in a company mining patch within Northeastern Pennsylvania in the year 1875. He is guilt-wracked, though the horrible conditions of the mine and patch are not really of his doing. The machinations of his social-climbing mother who inherited the property from his autocratic father, the greedy behavior of his mine superintendent who is loyal only to her, and the decisions made in unconscionable self-interest by his older brother for the sake of that man's own political advancement, must be reined in. Thomas has to overcome his fear of confrontations to have his deep sense of justice prevail and to keep his beloved workers from spiraling into a true hell. To help in his quest, he recruits a quick-witted maidservant whom he pines to marry against strong social class taboo, and he cleverly forges an alliance with his quirky younger brother, a minister with far better business acumen than he himself possesses. Growing from man-child to man does allow Thomas to bring deliverance to his mine and workers, but also unintentionally contributes to the deaths of all three of his adversaries. The terrible hardships and bitter, dangerous lives of the workers and their families are woven throughout the story. It is in their hopes and ambitions, as well as of course, those of Thomas himself, from which the themes emerge.
Setten is a university professor. He has written four radio dramas.
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