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Tuesday 28 February 2012

Win a free signed copy of The Children History Forgot!



For the next two weeks, I’m running a competition to win a copy of The Children History Forgot. The competition is free and open to all UK residents. All you need to do is answer the following:


Imagine you are a working-class child growing up in the 1830s. Your family needs your wages to make ends meet. Which of the following three jobs would you rather do, and why?

Choice A: Factory work

Choice B: Coal mining

Choice C: Chimney sweep

It’s very easy to enter: just type letter A, B or C, AND a very brief reason for your choice into the ‘comments’ section below. Or you can send me a direct message (DM) via Twitter @SueWilkesauthor.  The answer which I find most interesting will win a free signed copy of my book.
The competition ends at mid-day on Wednesday 14 March 2012. Good luck!

12 comments:

Nigel Greaves said...

My choice would have to be "A" on the basis of it being fractionally less likely you'd die at work!

Sue Wilkes said...

Thanks for dropping by, Nigel. Sound reasoning!

Jacqueline Pye said...

Definitely 'A', was going to say same as Nigel. Also, less likely to get the belt for coming home dirty and ruining one's only shirt.

Sue Wilkes said...

Hi Jacqueline! No-one fancies being a coal miner or chimney sweep so far!

Neil Egginton said...

My choice would be "B" because I'd be able to "collect" some excess coal and take it home to keep the family warm.

Sue Wilkes said...

Hello, Neil! You and other family members down the mine would have had a coal allowance as part of your wages.

Jacqueline Pye said...

I'd sootily weep
As a chimney sweep,
And darkly whine
Down the coal-black mine.
A factory kid I'd rather be,
Contributing to our GNP!

Sue Wilkes said...

That's a great rhyme, Jacqueline!

Danika FamilyHistory1 said...

A. I'd rather work in the factory as I don't like the dark or feeling too confined, and I think the other two would make me feel that way. Plus I think I'd be able to breathe *slightly* better in a factory. :o)

Sue Wilkes said...

Hello Danika! I don't think I would have liked climbing narrow chimneys or crawling along a narrow seam down the mine, either.

Crafty Green Poet said...

That's a really sobering list of alternatives! I know that some factories were pretty dire and you could lose fingers or worse quite easily but I'd still choose A because B & C would be even worse...

Sue Wilkes said...

Hi Juliet! You're quite right - there was always the danger of getting caught in the machinery.