Radium Halos – A novel about the Radium Dial Painters
Shelley Stout is a local Charlotte author and recently I had the chance to read her book, Radium Halos. The book is written from the view of Helen Waterman, a 65- year old mental patient who was part of a group of female factory workers, who, in the 1920’s, contracted radiation poisoning from painting luminous watch and clock dials with radium paint.
The secrets she has kept hidden for so many years are told to us through flashbacks, slowly revealing her past. I, for one, was completely intrigued with Radium Halos. Not just because the book was written well, but because while the book is fiction, it was based on historical events. After reading the book, it made me want to go do research on Radium Dial Painters as they essentially gave their lives, unknowingly, for a little extra cash for working in the factory.
Ms. Stout has a way of bringing her characters to life so that when you are reading, it is like you can picture the characters and scenery in your head. Radium Halos keeps you wondering what twist and turn is coming next, who and why do people want to bring up the past that she has tried so hard to forget? What really happened? I literally did not want to put this book down. I wanted to know what happened so many years ago and what was going to happen to Helen Waterman (the main character) now.
About Shelley Stout:
Shelley Stout lives in Charlotte, NC, where she enjoys dancing, volunteering, visiting historical sites, and spending time with her two grown sons.
Sound like a book you might be interested in?
Buy Radium Halos.
Shelley Stout on Facebook
Shelley Stout on Twitter
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