In "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith, the author explores the life of a character who works tirelessly in a mining environment. The protagonist describes their experience in the mines, characterized by long, dark tunnels filled with green rock and dust. The daily routine involves loading blasted rock, a task that is both physically demanding and exhausting, lasting seven hours each day.

This setting highlights the gritty reality of labor in challenging conditions, reflecting on the perseverance required to endure such work. The novel provides a vivid account of mining life, intertwining personal growth and societal observations, enriching the narrative with the character's reflections on their experiences in the harsh underground world.