INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERFrom 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, …
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.
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I’ve read better books by Anita Shreve.
As usual this author weaves an interesting story with great characters. I am so sorry that this wonderful author has left this earth. Her books will be missed.
Great story, well told. Good Anita Shreveport.
I loved the strong female main character and reading about the aftermath of a real historical event.
Always a historical side the Shreves books…drama at its best with all elements if great fiction. Realism, love, heartbreak and hard choices. Love her!
Noy one of her better books
I love everything by the late Anita Shreve. She is my inspiration for writing and I hope to one day be half as good as she was.
fantastic!!!!
I really liked this one. It stayed with me awhile.
The story was very similar to historical events, and how many people were effected. Private lives were realized for their suffering and survival . Excellent writing . This author has never disappointed me .