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

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

I loved Rachel Beanland's debut Florence Adler Swims Forever and her sophomore release is a hit as well. I love southern historical fiction and this one is based on the true story of a theatre fire in 1811 in Richmond, Virginia.

It's quite obvious that the author was meticulous in her research. The story is from four points of view and shows how the fire affected each of the narrators' lives. Rachel Beanland took me away to a different time and place, and what a time it was. Such a hard time in history to be a woman, an African American or a person of no means. (Imagine being all three!) This book really makes you think, but it especially made me feel. My emotions were all over the place whilst reading, I felt such sadness and anger.

It turns out the people you least expect are the true heroes of this story. If you read this book make sure you read the author notes at the end, it is very enlightening and you'll be glad you did. All. The. Stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.