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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
adventurous
sad
tense
fast-paced
This true crime story definitely falls under the "truth is stranger than fiction" category. Washington Post reporter Monica Hesse writes a compelling story, straightforward and filled with those quirky details a good journalist notices. It was a fast and fascinating read. My Kindle version had all the photos at the end, so when I got to the pictures of Charlie and Tonya, I found myself staring at them for a long time because I felt like I had gotten to know them so well.
Sort of like an NPR podcast only in book form. Interesting, but not riveting.
This is another one of those books that I picked up as an ARC four years ago and only read because I got cat trapped in the armchair and this was close by (cats napping on my lap is proving to be the "pick up a random book you haven't read yet" motivation that I've needed for years). American Fire was quick read and an enjoyable one--the people and communities at the heart of this region were vividly drawn and the writing fast paced and well structured--but overall this book felt a little thin and stretched out to me. It made sense when I read in the back matter that it had started as a series of articles for the Washington Post, as it felt like it should have been one longform essay for The Atlantic or The New Yorker, rather than a standalone book. Still, worth reading if you too find yourself cat trapped one day and this is lying around.
Easy-to-read journalistic writing with an interesting premise. Though parts of the story were less engaging than others, Hesse’s craft and voice never faltered
Do you listen to "Serial" or "The Accused"? This book read like one of those podcasts. Hesse spools out the narrative of the mysterious rash of arsons in 2012 Accomack County, Virginia, pulling the reader along with perfectly placed details to keep the pages turning. Although it is not difficult to figure out who the perpetrators are, Hesse instead builds the suspense around how the community and law enforcement agencies attempt to solve the crimes and the possible pressures that lead to an entire county being burned. Hesse reveals the psychology of the inhabitants of the remote, often "forgotten" eastern edge of Virginia (the judge who presided over one of the trials that had been moved to Virginia Beach explained to the Virginian jurors where exactly these crimes took place) and the individuals involved in the solving and committing the crimes. The history, the personalities, the fire investigation techniques, the legal machinations all make this a compelling read founded upon solid journalistic work.
Very gripping, reads like a thriller. Good for people who like true crime stuff.
I enjoyed the deep dive into Accomack county. Monica painted a vivid picture of the people who started and were affected by the fire-down to the pink helmet of one of the firefighters.
I never give 5 stars but this one deserves it.
I never give 5 stars but this one deserves it.