At first glance, you would think this novel is a snapshot of domestic life in the 1940s. As you travel deeper into the novel, it becomes the tale of a complicated marriage, both partners unsatisfied with the life they have. Then literally all hell breaks loose. The author
…more uses The Great Maine Fire of 1947 as a catalyst for courage and the will to do what's best for the main character and her children. While this is not as good as some of Anita Shreve's previous novels, it did keep me up until 3am reading. You can sympathize with its characters and you do get a small piece of Maine history (less)