The House is on Fire is a well-researched story that takes place in the aftermath of the 1811 Richmond, VA theatre fire. Four narrators alternate throughout, resulting in an interesting read

On December 26, 1811, a fire at the Richmond Theater killed 72 people, the largest loss of life in a disaster in the country's history at the time. The House is on Fire by Rachel Beanland is fiction based on that history Through four different perspectives, the author weaves a compelling story of a preventable disaster, its aftermath, its heroes, and its villains. It also paints a vivid picture of a time and place – slavery, the role of women, the role of artists and performers, and the city itself.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2024/08/the-house-is-on-fire.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

truly shocked by how much i loved this, as i dont normally read historical fiction in general, but especially not from this era. i couldnt put it down and looked forward to reading it every day. authors note was touching and added great context, it sounds like beanland did an excellent job honoring and adapting the history to this story

A definite 5/5 star read for me and one I highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction. This was soo well researched and written.

I was excited for this historic time, place and unfortunate event retelling following a few different POV's. I tend to struggle with all the switching around of POV's, wanting to stay longer with each one and finding a disruption with each switch. These switches continued to keep me at arms length from the book.

An interesting time, but a found it somewhat bogged down and had a hard time keeping my interest.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this gifted e-book.

This is a historical fiction novel done right. I thought the story of a Richmond theater that burned down in 1811 was a little random, but by the end of the book I'm very glad the author wrote it, especially after reading the author's note about how these characters were real people. It really brought me back to a different time and place. I found all four of the main characters likeable and enjoyed how they all had different storylines but it was all centered on one incident. It was a unique perspective to see how one accident can change the lives of so many people and in such different ways.

The book highlights key issues at the time (and in some cases today) around race, gender, and class. When learning most of this book was based off of real events, it puts into perspective the generational impact of slavery and racism. One character touches upon the voicelessness of women at that time, regardless of race. And although this misogynistic world women lived in was not safe for them, the book clearly shows a discrepancy between life after the fire for white people and their black counterparts. I'd like to say we've moved away from the Kemps and the Archies and the Elliot Prices of the world, but they do still exist and that's why these stories may seem a little random but are important to share today more than ever. Over two centuries later, people finally know their truths.

Wow.. another five star read from Rachel Beanland… I had the privilege of reading Florence Adler Swims Forever and could only hope that The House is on Fire, could be as good and it was. They are both HF but in two completely times in history.
Yet, the writing and the characters are excellent. This story starts in winter of 1811. The setting is Virginia and the time is the middle of the winter Social Season. The men of Virginia’s gentleman planters and their wives and children are all heading to town for the General Assembly. Everyone is tired from the long journey and all are looking forward to the holidays, rest and the theater. Charleston based Placid and Green is putting on two plays a night to make sure all can see it. The night after Christmas the theater is packed. Everyone is buzzing from the holiday spirit and looking forward to the show. There are over 600 patrons and all seem well. Newly widowed Sally Henry Campbell is in a box seat in the third floor and is happy to be at the theatre again. Cecily Patterson is one floor down and couldn’t care less about the play but is excited to have four hours off. She is sitting in the colored section and needs the night off. Her life is going from bad to worse.. Jack Gibson is a young stage hand and he is trying to do his best. If he can do all his tasks, he will likely be asked to move with the show, on the road. Across town Gilbert Hunt is dreaming of freedom for his wife. He wants to buy her freedom but it could take a lifetime. When the theater goes up in flames, everyone in a panic runs for their lives. Men are tripping over woman to get to safety. People are jumping from windows and there are bodies everywhere. As the night of the fire, becomes morning and the investigation begins. These four main characters, will be connected for a very long time. Their survival depends on each other in the craziest of ways. This story was so good. I am so glad that I was able to read it and review it. I have told everyone to read it. I couldn’t believe how deeply involved I became seeing each persons life play out. I love Historical Fiction and this book hit every one of my likes. I want to thank Netgalley, Simon & Schuster for my copy, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to do it and I can’t wait to read Rachel Beanland’s next book.

Based on the true story of Richmond’s theater fire, the story follows four people directly impacted by the fire and its aftermath. Sally, a widowed woman, Jack, a stage hand, Cecily, a young enslaved girl, and Gilbert, an enslaved man. The most unlikely people step up to aid others and others who only fight to save themselves. This is historical fiction at its best - it reminds us how the rights of people (slaves and women) were limited and the privileged remain privileged.

This historical fiction focuses on a real event from 1811. A theater fire in Richmond, VA highlights the differences in experience from the perspective of a young widow, a stagehand, an enslaved blacksmith and a young, slave girl. While the story centers on the fire and the aftermath, we get a slice of each character's life as well. It was an engaging, fictional look at a real life event and the possible outcomes for the people involved.

The narration was fantastic as well.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Simon&Schuster for a free copy of #TheHouseIsOnFire by Rachel Beanland. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a readers copy of this book. My reviews never contain spoilers and are freely given.
This is the story of a theatre fire in Richmond. It details both the cowardice and heroism of people who were in attendance, as well as those who were nearby when the tragedy struck.
Excellent story telling which makes you feel as if you were there.

Fascinating historical fiction and a great example of the Butterfly Effect — small actions by one can lead to great consequences for many. Characters come alive under Beanland’s masterful voice.

Rachel Beanland's The House is on Fire is a fictionalized account of the actual 1811 Richmond, Virginia theater fire. In this tragic event, many people died from flames and smoke since they were not able to escape the building.
The story is told from the perspective of four characters - a theater backstage hand, a young widow, a young slave girl, and a middle-aged slave blacksmith. Each character is impacted by the outcome of the fire. We learn about tough choices each must make.
Beanland does a nice job of weaving in issues of the day such as child labor abuses, lack of women's rights, slaves' desire for freedom, and many more.
I enjoyed the story and understand more about how one unfortunate event had an impact on a city and its citizens. Beanland keeps you engaged and it’s easy to follow as the story jumps around to the different characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for making the book available to me.

⁉️Are you able to sneak in any reading time today?
We’ve got some plans early afternoon, but I plan on sitting down with some spring candles lit, a gin cocktail in my hand and this on my kindle later today 🐇 I’m almost through, and though historical fiction isn’t usually my jam, I’m into it 👍

Anyone else read this one? Review to come!
Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

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I highly recommend this book! It was everything historical fiction should be and then some. Utterly unputdownable. The main characters (based in part on real people) will stay with me for a good long while.

This book is the exact reason why I love the historical fiction genre. A fire in the 1800's (that I had never heard of) is the setting of this existing book. I loved the way the author chose 2 real people and 2 based on real people to tell this story. How you learn how the fire connected them and the ramifications after the event. I also appreciate the author's note in the back - served as a bit of an epilogue. Lastly - this would make a great movie!

A fascinating look at the Richmond theater fire of 1811, the lives that it changed, and some unexpected opportunities that occurred as a result.

This book was a little slow for me and pretty confusing. Sadly i couldnt finish this. This might work for someone else but i could never get into the story.

Thank you to netgalley.com for this ARC.

I found this book very interesting. Told from the perspective of different characters, it is the story of a deadly fire that took place in a theatre from 1811. This book was heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Based on real life events it tells the story from the actors point of view, slaves, the wealthy, and widowed women.

This book was well written and a good choice for fans of historical fiction.

I'm a historical fiction fan, so I was so excited to find this gem. Based on real events in Chicago's history about a theater that goes up in flames resulting in the loss of many souls. It touches on how many, to save their own skin, will point a finger at the innocent to divert attention away from themselves.

What a different book than Florence Adler novel! I enjoyed this southern historical fiction piece very much.
There was a fire in a theater costing 100 lives in VA.
This tale details the journey of 4 people involved that day, and 2 were based on real world people.
Very well done! Great read!