The Stars Are Fire

Anita Shreve is one of my favorite authors - she certainly did not let me down with this well-written novel. It was especially interesting to me since I knew nothing about the great fire on the Maine Coast in 1947!

I liked how the characters developed

Interesting to learn about the fires

Would have liked to learn more about Gene to understand why he was so mean...even before his injuries in the fire

Ending was a letdown - to much of a "happily ever after " suggestion, but I guess that's why we read romance novels

Anita Shreve has turned in another treasure. I don't usually read period pieces, mostly contemporary fiction, but I love reading Shreve's prose; she is a master! A wonderful story with a little bit of everything for everyone!

Fire--as a noun--figures predominantly in this book. The historic 1947 Maine fire was a horrendous tragedy, and Shreve takes advantage of the backdrop to craft a story that is intriguing and suspenseful.
Grace and Gene have two young children and live a life that appears normal, but for Gene's low key, monosyllabic conversations. Grace, on the other hand, is an organized, focused mother; she takes her mother role seriously, and has good neighbor Rosie as a sounding board for her concerns, especially concerning taciturn Gene. Life is "okay." Then, the summer drought leads to fire, and everything frantically changes.
From that point on, Shreve pulls the reader in, not allowing any doubt that everything in Grace's world changes, and Grace most of all.
We all know that Shreve writes well, and this is evidenced by sentences and paragraphs that have rhythm and movement. The story swiftly progresses and we are entrenched in Grace's life of downs, questions, quandaries and quests. Whatever can a "single" (where is Gene?) woman do to provide a life for herself and two small children, especially in the 1940's, when literally everything had gone up in smoke. She has no education beyond high school; she cannot drive (& doesn't have a car), and she is female---and without a husband on scene.
I liked that the author didn't write chapters as much as scenes, one after another. It further helps propel the story and lends a continuity to the storyline that would not be as strong with chapters.
Note that a few scenes in the story are base, but must be to help the reader understand better what faces Grace as Gene's wife. Really, every scene has a reason for being. For example, I liked the play and intrusion of Grace's young child Claire-- her words and antics-- that reflect the turmoil of many scenes, as well as stand as a reality check for the other characters, as well as for us.
The only "con" is the last page. Of course I understand the author's "right" to leave the story open-ended, but for me, more was needed. No. More was wanted!
Still, I liked the story quite a bit and stand behind my five star rating.

I purchased the audible book, was loving the story yet did not finish it because I found the narrator’s voice quite irritating. Monotonous. Boring. I will have to purchase again in written form to finish. Or wait until it’s available at the library. I look forward to completing it!

Eh. The true story behind the fiction was interesting, a bit of history I’d never been aware of, but the telling was less-than-thrilling. Writing was stilted in some places, and plot points felt contrived.

I’ve read pretty much everything Anita Shreve ever wrote and was so sad to hear of her passing. This is a wonderful book written in classic Anita Shreve style and I am sad to know that it is her last.

I was totally involved in each character's story throughout the book. Beautifully written with many twists and turns. I found the ending to be a little abrupt, but nonetheless thought provoking, and open to a sequel perhaps?

Loved the characters and the complicated relationship between Grace and Gene; all of their lives pivot as result of the drought & wildfire, and Grace rises from the ashes, couldn't put this book down!