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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. ⬇️

⭐️⭐️⭐️an engaging historical fiction using parts of actual people@who were there although took many liberties with their narratives.

Author Rachel Beanland has based this historical fiction novel on the true story of the Richmond Theater Fire. Dozens died that night as the crowd surge to escape the smoke and flames. Heroes (and cowards) were revealed that night, and Beanland takes us on a fictionalized account of some of those that were there. Not only does the author bring the disaster to life with her impeccable research, she draws you into the story as if you were there.

Thanks @AmyG for getting 2024 off to a cracking start. This is a real page turner. Amazing historical detail, characters who live off the page and a really compelling and compassionate story of survival, pain and hope. Loved it !

Oh @AmyG - love love love the sound of this one. Digging straight in tonight. Thank you honey. Happy Holidays to you all. 😘🎄😘

Not my typical historical fiction read but am so glad I read it! Well-paced and incredibly engaging… I didn‘t want it to end!

When the current book you are reading, mentions the chunkster you‘ve been buddy ready since January! 😊👍🏻 #clarissa

Historical fiction centered around a theater fire in 1811 Richmond VA, and four peoples decisions around that event. Not typically a historical fiction fan, but i enjoyed this. #botm

1. Loved this so much
2. Historical fiction at it's best - do read the authors note at the end as well.
3. A book that makes me want to travel there when reading it!
Thanks @eggs #wondrouswednesday @peaknit @Kshakal @BethM @RaeLovesToRead

Up next! My book club picks 3 genres every summer and this was the book for “Historical Fiction NOT Set During WWII.” I loved Florence Adler Swims Forever, so I‘m looking forward to this!

#bookspinbingo

1. Two books for #camplitsy and my #bookspinbingo list
2. Tagged! Also Finding Me (Viola Davis)
3. One Summer in Paris
Thanks @peaknit @Kshakal @Eggs #wondrouswednesday

I absolutely loved this! Fantastic historical fiction.

In 1811, the Richmond Theater burned to the ground during a performance, killing 72 people. We see this event and it‘s immediate aftermath through the eyes of 4 characters. I found this book engrossing and propulsive. I just loved it. Also, be sure to read the author‘s note at the end where she details the fact in the fiction.

This is a good historical fiction. The short chapters keep the pages turning. And it covers a bit of history that isn‘t taught in schools.

This was a well researched, well written and fast paced account of the 1811 Richmond, VA theater fire that killed 72 people. Definitely read the author‘s note at the end.

My May #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

The 1811 theater fire in Richmond, VA was the worst tragedy in the young USA where nearly 100 people were killed in minutes. This book covers the fire from four different view points: a young stagehand, a middle class white attendee, a Black enslaved attendee, and a Black enslaved man who helped survivors.
The book is well researched & impeccably written, it just didn‘t grab me. There wasn‘t much of a climax in the action & it just kind of ended.

4.5 ⭐️ I recommend this book for fans of historical fiction. The story is a well-researched novel (read the Author‘s Note!) with an engrossing storyline. The author did not shy away from writing about the cruelty of racism and slavery, yet, she honors the bravery and kindness of enslaved humans at the time of the fire. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61273814

My bookish zen garden is open for today‘s beautiful afternoon. One more day of Easter Break. ☕️ 📖 🐶 ☀️

#botm arrived much sooner than expected this month! 😍

It‘s here! April #BOTM

#BOTM Day 📚💙 Wohooo!!

I was not thrilled with the April #botm choices since I had already bought myself the new Jeanette Wells book. However, I really wanted the tagged book as an add-on, so I decided to go with an easy thriller read for my April choice.

Fairly sure these will be available through #BOTM in April, either as main picks or add-ons. @Cinfhen posted a great review of the tagged book that piqued my interest!

Tonight‘s reading on the couch with Gatsby and Ozzie.

Such a wonderful #HF story about the 1811 Richmond Theatre Fire that killed 72 people mostly women. The story begins with the fire and then the aftermath following a handful of survivors. Ripe for bookclub discussion, I couldn‘t turn the pages quick enough. I appreciated the addition of the Author‘s Note which gave more context. This book touches on the cruelty of slavery, society struggles between men & women and preconceived idea of heroism.

#ARC @SimonSchuster @simonbooks #SimonSchusterBookClub available April 2023

Loving this #HF novel by the author of Florence Adler Swims Forever. This story focuses on the Richmond fire of 1811.