Scan barcode
erin_oriordan_is_reading_again's review against another edition
4.0
I borrowed this short audiobook from my library using the Libby app. It's young adult nonfiction, so adult reading may find some of the explanatory background material a little basic. No worries, though. It succinctly tells the story of the worst disaster in New York's history before the terrorist attacks of 9-11-2001. Marrin's telling gives sufficient gravity to the tragedy of the situation without being melodramatic, striking a nice balance between a historian's detachment and a very human story with which we can all empathize. On the whole, it's quite well done.
The audiobook can be listened to in about four hours.
The audiobook can be listened to in about four hours.
annakim's review against another edition
3.0
This is a solid book that does a nice job of relating information about the Triangle Fire, which many people may not be aware of. With that said, it is clear that this book was written with younger students as the primary audience. The sentences are somewhat choppy and the details can be a bit unfocused, especially at the end. While I was able to figure out the point that the author was trying to make, I'm not sure that many students would be able to make the connections between gangsters, union corruption, international trade, and the need for further reform.
mattyb's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Xenophobia, Classism, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Antisemitism, Child death, Police brutality, and Racism
Minor: Animal death and Excrement
arthur_harris's review
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
An absolutely fascinating look at the history and vital importance of unions. This book closely examines classism and sexism in the workplace from a historical perspective, as well as the marginalization of immigrants and the fatal consequences thereof. Not a long read, which Marrin accommodates by packing information into every page. The narrative is captivating and provides vital context for the Triangle Fire, as well as providing a scathing critique of captitalism.
sarahskorupa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
abigailbat's review
4.0
This well-researched book is more than a chronicle of the worst workplace disaster New York has ever seen (with the exception of the 9/11 terrorist attacks). It's a snapshot of the time and a portrait of a changing nation. The first half of the book examines immigration in America in the second half of the 19th century and how it shaped the way American industry developed. It paints just the right mood for acknowledging how terribly tragic the Triangle Fire was. The last part of the book shows what changes were made in industry and labor laws as a result of the fire and shows that sweatshops still exist in many parts of the world.
Archival photos are well-selected and well-used to bring the time period to life. Back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, and an index.
This book would make a perfect pairing with UPRISING by Margaret Peterson Haddix, BREAD AND ROSES TOO by Katherine Paterson, or LYDDIE by Katherine Paterson. For those interested in a more recent look at immigration and sweatshop work, you could also pair this book with GIRL IN TRANSLATION by Jean Kwok.
http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2012/01/flesh-blood-so-cheap.html
Archival photos are well-selected and well-used to bring the time period to life. Back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, and an index.
This book would make a perfect pairing with UPRISING by Margaret Peterson Haddix, BREAD AND ROSES TOO by Katherine Paterson, or LYDDIE by Katherine Paterson. For those interested in a more recent look at immigration and sweatshop work, you could also pair this book with GIRL IN TRANSLATION by Jean Kwok.
http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2012/01/flesh-blood-so-cheap.html