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Beth P. (Rensselaer, NY)
This Writer is on Fire!
It has been a long time since I read almost an entire book in one sitting. The Stars are on Fire gripped me from the first chapter. Anita Shreve develops her characters in such a fashion that you truly care about what happens to them, and you become quickly invested in watching them grow and change amid devastating circumstances. Grace is in a dull, lifeless marriage, knowing exactly what will happen each day. The book is set in Maine in 1947, the year a fire ravages the coastline, a true event in Maine's history. How Grace handles the aftermath is the suspenseful story of a woman facing the unimaginable. The
…more choices that she faces determine her fate, and you will not be able to stop reading until you turn the final page.
I do think this would be a good book for book clubs. How would each of us face having to start over with nothing but the clothes on our backs? Would we be able to reach deep down and make a new life? Watching Grace transition with her two children is a heartfelt story that will leave you asking yourself, "what would I do?" If you want a novel with amazing character development, and enough suspense to keep you guessing how it will end, The Stars Are Fire is the book for you. (less)This is a wonderful book – I didn't want to put it down, and I didn't want it to end. Grace Holland is a protagonist to be admired and cherished. I felt as though I were looking through an album of snapshots while hearing Grace's heart speak: the pure essence of both painful and precious moments captured in time. I loved watching her grow in strength and self-confidence, at a time when women didn't take those qualities quite so much for granted as we do today. Anita Shreve has jumped to the front of the pack in my "want to read" books!
Laurie W. (Fredonia, NY)
One Sitting Read
The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve is a one sitting read. Once you pick up the book and read the first sentence, you will not want to or be able to put it down. A five star book of engaging historical fiction.
Shreve transports us to coastal Maine in 1947 where we meet Grace, a mother of two and married to Gene. Her best friend Rosie lives next door with her two children and husband Tim. All summer there has been a drought and now wildfires are raging across the state. Grace and Rosie's husbands have gone to fight the fire and left the women and children at home. The fire is escalating and the women must rely on
…more their instincts to save their children and themselves. At this pivotal moment Grace's life is changed forever. Nothing she knew or depended on can help her when the winds of change come. Grace must now light the fire that has been buried deep inside of her in order to survive.
Grace is a character of deep emotions and resilience. In the beginning of the book she is very meek and quiet. In time we come to see her fierceness and drive that compels her to live. Rosie is another favorite character of mine. She is not quite as well developed, but I loved her from the beginning. She is everyone's best friend and ally. My least favorite is Gene for many reasons. He is a self-centered egotistical man that cares nothing for his family! (less)The first book I read by Anita Shreve was "The Pilot's Wife". I loved it and read everything she had/has written. Her stories never disappoint!!! "The Stars Are Fire" is another outstanding book and I would gladly have given it 6 stars if I could have. The characters come alive on the page and in your heart. The story is compelling as Grace faces insurmountable situations and shows her strength and valor. The ending was very satisfying but I didn't want the book to end. This one is a real winner and will be recommended by me to all book lovers and even those who aren't! I absolutely loved it!
Rosanne S. (Franklin Square, NY)
The Stars Are Fire
It's been a long time since I've read a book by Anita Shreve. The Stars are Fire reminds me that her books are always well written and very much worth reading.
In this story, as in her others, she has characters that are well developed and engaging. Here she has taken a moment in history, the fires on the coast of Maine in 1947 and developed a compelling story of love,loss , strength and self-discovery. The scenes are captivating and so well delivered that I swear I smelled the smoke.
I would highly recommend The Stars Are Fire. It surely will not disappoint. I read the book in one day. The Stars Are Fire will be
…more for me a reminder to seek out more by Anita Shreve since I always enjoy what she writes. (less)
Lani S. (Narberth, PA)
Transporting novel
Anita Shreve has done it again, giving us an absorbing story that I would have finished in one night but decided that sleep needed to become a priority.The setting is Maine, during the late 40's when Grace Holland, a young mother in a loveless marriage, tries to rescue her two young children when a huge forest fire breaks out. Homes are burnt to the ground as she struggles to the ocean, burying them in the sand to try to help them stay alive. Meanwhile her husband has gone to the front to try to keep the flames from spreading. Time goes by without any word from him. Ever the dutiful wife who feels she can't
…more break her marriage vows, she is torn between wanting him dead and chastising herself for those immoral thoughts. As she develops a inner strength from taking care of the family and trying to support herself, circumstances arise that turn the novel on its head.
The novel's descriptive setting with Shreve's signature crisp style, transported me in time while simultaneously made me ache with both loneliness and delight for Grace. I was smitten by Grace's inner life, her complex and dissonant feelings and her growth as a strong character. Based on historical facts makes this book all the more authoritative. What a wonderful wonderful read. (less)4.5 stars
Few people can write like Anita Shreve. Once she determines a topic she takes control.
This is the story of a woman not only surviving but prospering.
Due to a fast moving wild fire following a drought in Maine in 1947, many towns and cities were totally wiped out. Grace, pregnant, is alone with her two children to make her way to safety, her husband Gene has left to fight the fires. Nothing is saved. The small family is rescued, none to soon, and given shelter by a loving couple whose home skirted the fire. Gene is missing. Grace takes control and makes decisions that are best for her, her children and
…more her Mother, who also survived. The next year is both heaven and hell for Grace. She goes through the best of times and the worst of times, until once again she is homeless. However her plight is not yet over.
This is a story of courage and sacrifice. It follows the ups and downs of both marriage and life in general; the deepest of valleys and brightest of days, turmoil and peace. (less)The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve is an interesting historical fiction set in Maine in October 1947, during and after a summer-long drought and destructive fires. Two aspects of the book are particularly notable. The well-developed characters are memorable, the reader cheers for Grace, whose resilience and perseverance save her and her children from certain death, and loathe Gene, who is bitter, demanding, demeaning and hateful. Also impressive is the use of setting as a driving force. The characters are forced to change and grow dramatically with every change of location. This helps to keep the reader
…more interested and the plot fresh.
Even though the book is a good one, there are a couple of negatives that detract from the overall good impression. The ending is predictable, with the only question being which of the two likely guys will be victorious. Some details also seem to be contrived in spots, often being created to fit the story or having no apparent relevance.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others as good, but not great. (less)
