The Black Diamond

The Black Diamond by Francis Brett Young is a novel that delves into the life of Abner Fellows a young boy growing up in the industrial town of Halesby. Abner's father John Fellows is a miner and the story follows Abner's childhood experiences in the row of Hackett's Cottages. The narrative explores the dynamics of Abner's family including his father's second marriage to Alice Higgins and the strained relationship between Abner and his stepmother. As Abner navigates the challenges of his upbringing he finds solace and support from Mrs. Moseley a maternal figure in his life. The novel captures the complexities of family relationships the struggles of working-class life and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.