The Deep Dark: Disaster and Redemption in America's Richest Silver Mine

The Sunshine Mine fire robbed me of a Grandfather and an Uncle before I was born. Luckly, my Uncle Delmar survive this tragic event. I couldn't amagine my life with out him in it. My Mother would often talk about days they stood out side the mine waiting to hear but so much of the rest had not been told. And asking my Uncle was just too painful for him, even after all those years. Gregg Olsen's book gave me a real insight into what my family had gone through. His "real time" story telling put you right in the moment. I read the book in two days, but I spent many days after comprehending the pain and suffering they all had endured. I know the Kitchen family is very thankful that he wrote this book.

Turn up your speakers, you can hear the applause. Gregg Olsen has hit the bull's eye with The Deep Dark. Gregg has skillfully recounted the events leading to and following the horrific Sunshine Mine Fire of 1972. The insight he provides into the humanity that feeds it and danger that is lurking in mining is compelling. I couldn't put the book down until I finished every word. His work not only provides us with a historic record, he's given us a text-book for mine safety. There were 3 tragic events that were most responsible in the development of the mine safety laws in America today, the Farmington mine explosion in West Virginia, the Scotia mine explosions in Kentucky, and the Sunshine mine fire in Idaho. This book should be required reading for mine managers, rescuers and regulators.

From the moment you read the first page,you are on shift. Mr. Olsen loads you into the man cage and drops you 5,000 feet into the ebony darkness of a mine shaft. You will be soon struggling for your very life. This isn't fiction, it is real! Whether you choose to try and solve the mystery to safety, be topside in a prayer vigil, on a rescue team encountering shear horror, or whether you choose to give your life to save others you will not be able to escape the grip of this book. When you have finished the last page your hands will remain clenched, and you will be exhausted with sweat on your brow.

I was a resident of the Silver Valley at the time of the fire. The accuracy of the book took me back to 1972. The extensive research definitely paid off in an amazingly real portrayal of this mining community. This book is a wonderful homage to the miners of Sunshine and the strength of the Silver Valley in May of 1972.