Copperopolis
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Pub Date Aug 28 2026 | Archive Date Sep 22 2026
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Description
1860s Swansea, where copper can make your fortune – at a price.
John runs away to sea to escape rural poverty. The ocean fuels his wanderlust and he becomes a master mariner. Margaret, a fiery Gower farmer’s daughter, falls in love with his adventurous spirit. A pioneering woman of her era, she learns to navigate, and they sail together, sharing a passion for the ocean.
When John’s ship is wrecked, rumours that it was scuttled jeopardise his reputation. Short of options, John gambles on the copper trade with Chile, skippering a ship round Cape Horn – the ultimate test of seamanship but a graveyard for crews.
Meanwhile, Margaret uncovers the damage copper inflicts on Swansea’s community, causing destitution and deadly pollution, as smelter Vernon grows rich.
Horrified, she collaborates with shipowners conspiring to wrest control from Vernon. But when Vernon discovers the plot, the family’s reputation and livelihood is at stake…
A Note From the Publisher
Marketing Plan
Upcoming events for Carolyn Morgan:
30 Aug - BBC Wales (Ray Noble)
2 September 2026 - book launch at Owl bookshop, Kentish Town
12 September 2026 - book talk at Cover to Cover, Mumbles, Swansea
26 September 2026 - History Day, Waterfront Museum, Swansea
28 September 2026 - book talk, West Hampstead Library, London
7 November 2026 - History Fair, Swansea Museum
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781835746103 |
| PRICE | £3.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 384 |
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Featured Reviews
Reviewer 2080709
Review for advance copy from NetGalley.
3-3.5 stars.
I love historical fiction and this topic was very intriguing, I think the subject matter is really interesting and reflects on wider issues that are still prevalent now e.g. damage of greed and immense wealth and power being held by the very few.
I liked the focus on expected gender roles, when John and Margaret met they had similar dreams and desires, however they had to play into what was expected of them and both felt the pressures of that.
What I didn't like was the lack of depth in the characters, I found the narrative fairly surface level and very repetitive. I think because we flew through time, we touched on things very briefly that I would have enjoyed more time spent exploring. However it's likely this is just my personal reading style.