Deep River by Karl Marlantes

Three Koski siblings-Ilmari, Aino, and Matti-escape Finland during political unrest and find a home in Deep River, Washington. The two boys find jobs in the dangerous logging profession while Aino, the central character of the book, works in the logging kitchens. She sees the terrible working conditions of the men working long hours for little pay and becomes a strong voice for unionization.
The story follows the three through the downfall of the logging operation, river salmon fishing and the rise of unionization.
I think Aino was a strong female character in the book, and I like how passionate she was about fighting for the common worker. But I also thought she was so selfish putting the cause before everything else: her husband, her freedom, and even her daughter. This is a large book, but well worth the time. Great story!