A review by julieclair
The House is on Fire by Rachel Beanland

informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Fascinating, well-researched historical fiction about a tragic theater fire in Richmond, Virginia in 1811. Told from 4 points of view: a young white orphaned boy working as a stage hand, an enslaved woman who accompanied her mistress as her chaperone, an enslaved man who became a hero, and a well-to-do white woman who was sitting in a box seat. The narrative follows them before, during and after the fire. Excellently drawn main and supporting characters. Sad, but great reading.
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