
Published by Random House on May 2nd 2017
Pages: 256
Goodreads




From the New York Times best-selling author of The Weight of Water and The Pilot's Wife (an Oprah's Book Club selection): an exquisitely suspenseful new novel about an extraordinary young woman tested by a catastrophic event and its devastating aftermath--based on the true story of the largest fire in Maine's history.
In October 1947, after a summer long drought, fires break out all along the Maine coast from Bar Harbor to Kittery and are soon racing out of control from town to village. Five months pregnant, Grace Holland is left alone to protect her two toddlers when her husband, Gene, joins the volunteer firefighters. Along with her best friend, Rosie, and Rosie's two young children, Grace watches helplessly as their houses burn to the ground, the flames finally forcing them all into the ocean as a last resort.
The women spend the night frantically protecting their children, and in the morning find their lives forever changed: homeless, penniless, awaiting news of their husbands' fate, and left to face an uncertain future in a town that no longer exists. In the midst of this devastating loss, Grace discovers glorious new freedoms--joys and triumphs she could never have expected her narrow life with Gene could contain--and her spirit soars. And then the unthinkable happens--and Grace's bravery is tested as never before.
Having never read any of Anita Shreve’s earlier novels, I was drawn to The Stars are Fire because I enjoy learning about historical events I know little or nothing about. This events in this book unfold as a result of what has become know as the Great Fires of 1947, a series of forest fires that devastated hundreds of thousands of acres in Maine.
Grace Holland is five months pregnant when the fires rip through her neighborhood, destroying everything in their wake. Grace is smart and resourceful. She manages to save herself, her two small children, her best friend, Rosie, and Rosie’s children. Her husband, Gene, with whom she shares a dispassionate though not horrible marriage, has been called to help the men of the town build a fire wall. But as the other men begin to return home, Gene remains missing. Finally, homeless and destitute, Grace is forced to consider moving into her recently deceased mother-in-law’s home. As she arrives to check out the condition of the home, she is greeted by beautiful piano music. Enter Aiden, the handsome, educated, piano-playing squatter.
Things go along just swimmingly for a time. Grace gets a job at the local physician’s office. Her mother, now living with her, cares for the house and the children. Grace and Aiden seem to be growing closer together. When Aiden leaves for a job in Boston, they are both hopeful that it won’t be the end. Unfortunately, a sudden (and somewhat expected, if I’m honest) plot twist occurs. You can probably see where this is going but I do not wish to add any spoilers.
Overall, I enjoyed the book quite a lot. This wasn’t an edge-of-the seat book for me but I found the pacing to be steady and enjoyable. My rating is a reflection of the balance between fabulous writing and character development and a somewhat clichéd and predictable story. Though this wasn’t a five star read for me, I can certainly understand why Anita Shreve has such a devoted following and I would be open to reading her past or future titles.
3.75/5 stars
Thanks to the publisher, Alfred A. Knopf, for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Excellent review dear. I’ve been in the mood for slower paced books lately that delve more into characterization than action; this is high on my TBR and I can’t wait to pick it up!
Thanks, Chelsea! I can’t wait to hear what you think. 🙂
I couldn’t get into this one but I think I need to give it another chance in the future, as everyone seems to be loving it 😀
I had the opposite problem. For me, it started off great. As the story continued, however, and became a little less believable, it lost a little of its luster.
Hmm interesting :/
Excellent review, Ann! I truly love the sound of this book. Like you, I enjoy learning about historical events – right now I’m reading Indiana Gothic – that I know nothing about. So, this one is on my TBR and I can’t wait to read it! I hope I can get it here in Geneva. 🙂
Thank you! I hadn’t heard of Indiana Gothic but it looks intriguing so, of course, I added it to my out-of-control TBR.
Great review! I think I’ve only ever read The Pilot’s Wife by her which I did really like. You saying it turned somewhat cliched and predictable makes me think I wouldn’t like this one though.
“Unfortunately, a sudden (and somewhat expected, if I’m honest) plot twist occurs. You can probably see where this is going but I do not wish to add any spoilers.”
I bet I can guess what happens here 🙂 Too bad it was so predictable… I also love reading about little known historical events.
I own a copy of The Pilot’s Wife, but have yet to read it…
Great review, I have liked and shared. Lovely to meet another fellow blogger. Will share your post on daily. Have a great weekend. Kelly
Thank you, Kelly! So glad to connect with you! 😀