"The Copper Princess: A Story of Lake Superior Mines" by Kirk Munroe is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Richard Peveril, a young man who embarks on a new life in the copper mining region of Lake Superior, after facing personal and financial turmoil back East. As he navigates the challenges of this rough environment, he forms friendships, finds work, and uncovers the history of a mysterious mine known as the Copper Princess. The opening of the novel introduces Richard Peveril in a thrilling scene where he saves a fellow passenger, Tom Trefethen, from a potentially fatal accident involving a train. Following this dramatic encounter, the two young men quickly bond as Peveril learns about the vibrant mining community in Red Jacket. Peveril's initial struggles include finding work and establishing himself in a world where his upper-class background is at odds with the working-class environment. The early chapters set the stage for Peveril's journey of self-discovery and resilience as he aims to build a future for himself amidst the challenges presented by the mining life and his quest for a better fortune. (This is an automatically generated summary.)