Reviews

The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland

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imnotfall's review

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medium-paced

4.0

eyreibreathe's review against another edition

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4.5 ⭐
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How about we kick this week off with a newly released ah-mazing book that I'm surprised I haven't seen more of around here? I love a great historical fiction read that shines a light on a specific historical event that I knew nothing about and brings it to life on the page. The House is on Fire was exactly that. ⁣
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Centering around the devastating fire at a popular theatre in Richmond, Virginia in 1811 and told from multiple viewpoints, this was a harrowing and emotional read. It was also completely fascinating. I found myself doing a bit of my own research once I closed the final pages of this gem, and I was a little blown away by how much of this story was based upon actual facts, especially the character of Gabriel who was my very favorite. I loved how the multiple viewpoints worked in this particular book and how we as readers get to follow these characters in the days after the fire as well. ⁣
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Beanland really brought this piece of history to life through these pages, which is one thing I love about this genre. It's one thing to read a newspaper clipping or another nonfiction account of such an event, but to grow attached to characters and live these events through their eyes is quite another. I could feel the claustrophobia and the struggle to breathe as I followed these characters through the burning building, sense the terror and the despair (and in one particular case the hope.) If you love a great historical fiction read, I can't recommend this one enough!
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spalsma's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

ldyluck's review

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adventurous challenging emotional informative sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

This book stayed as true to the facts as possible. Very informative and gripping.. What an insight into that time in history. Excellent read.

12grace4's review

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emotional informative sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mitzik76571's review against another edition

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4.0

Historical fiction about the Richmond theater fire of 1811. The book focuses on 4 characters after the fire: Sally, a widow who takes care of her sister-in-law, Gilbert, a slave who helped rescue many women from the fire, Jack, a young stagehand who was backstage during the fire, and Cecily, a young slave who seeks a better life after being abused by her owner.