Summary

In the Prologue, June 22nd, 1911, Billy celebrates his thirteenth birthday and prepares for his new job as a miner. He wishes he showed more signs of puberty as he wanders the simplistic house. He is one of two siblings, as the other four died of either illness or in the mining tunnels. It is revealed that Billy’s father is employed by the South Wales miner foundation which is the strongest trade union in Britain. There is a clear bias against the royalty as Billy’s Da talks gossip about their overly expensive dresses compared to the family’s low wages. Billy is not interested in any talk of the coronation and wishes he could read more adventurous stories. Billy’s sister, Ethel arrives and wishes him a happy birthday with a piece of cake. Billy describes...