Burning Valley

the long version

Originally published in 1953, Burning Valley tells the story of Benedict Bulmanis, son of a Lithuanian immigrant steelworker in western Pennsylvania. Determined to become a priest, Benedict faces great inner conflict as he witnesses the steelworkers' struggle against the destruction of their homes as well as the separation of classes that even the church cannot escape. As the story unfolds, Benedict discovers his beliefs and values changing and becomes more sympathetic with the workers and union organizers. Alan Wald's introduction focuses on the semi-autobiographical aspect of Burning Valley as well as its "multifaceted dramatization of ethnicity and race."