Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publishing Date: April 4, 2023
Length: 384 pages, hardcover

I received this book from the publisher.

In the early years of the United States, there was little in the form of entertainment. Richmond, Virginia was fortunate to have a beautiful theater. The theater had three stories, boxes for the well-to-do, and even an area for the slave to sit and watch. The theater company put on performances twice each night. On the night of December 26, 1811, the house is full of approximately 600 patrons. Sally Henry Campbell, daughter of patriot Patrick Henry, is in attendance. Recently widowed, she is looking for a diversion. Cecily Patterson is a slave that has been preyed upon by her master’s son. Tonight she will be able to relax, at least for a few hours. Backstage, a young apprentice, Jack Gibson, is managing sets. He hopes his hard work and attention to detail will help him get a permanent job. The local blacksmith’s slave hopes that someday he will be able to bring his wife to the theater. Midway through the performance, a fire broke out resulting in the death of many theater patrons. The patrons begin escaping and these four characters will find their lives forever changed and entwined.

Rachel Beanland has given life to a minor date in history. Her female characters are sympathetic and easy to understand, but some of the male characters are not so wonderful. Women were not seen as being particularly important and it is fascinating to witness one of the female characters sadly accepting the poor behavior of her husband fleeing the fire. The fire is not the main story here, it is the vehicle that takes us to the storylines. The treatment of slaves, the attitude toward women, and society’s view of actors are all predominant themes. The book is fascinating and the progression of the story is well-balanced. The deft hand of Rachel Beanland gives this tragedy depth and meaning.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻/5