Cover Image: The Stars Are Fire

The Stars Are Fire

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This is a story of emancipation of Grace Holland; wife, mother and housewife.

In brutal honesty, this sentence explains all about the story. While the writing is elegant and eloquent and the authoress's gift of characterization is as sharp as ever, there is not much to say about the depths of the story. And while I admire Grace's strength and resourcefulness, there are also many cliches present, which helps to relativize Grace's growth.

Was this review helpful?

This is a book filled with tragedies and sadly underwhelming characters,
While the ideas and writing isn't bad, it also didn't suck me into the story, making me eager to turn pages or fight with/for he characters and their work being,
It rather was one of those books that I didn't feel much of anything no matter what was happening because I didn't connect to the book and how it was done.
I am sure there are readers for this book out there that will enjoy it fully. For me it wasn't the best but still a good book.

Was this review helpful?

Based on a disastrous fire in Maine in the 1940, I was expecting more history. Most of the characters were boring! Grace's husband Gene was a horrible person that treated her with no respect. I could have done without the details of their sex life. I admired Grace's strength and courage to get out of the situation. Just an okay book.

Was this review helpful?

Tragic life of emotional abuse at the hands of her war-scarred husband. Devastating fire that destroys her home also sucks her husband into obscurity. The long-awaited independence finally happens in the last few pages of the book but not before other sad reunions bolster Grace’s desire to be free.

Was this review helpful?

Anita Shrive writes another haunting novel that will stay with the reader long after the cover is closed. Based on a true incident, this books highlights the strength and courage of a woman who must literally pick herself up from the ashes to rebuild her family. In so doing, she discovers herself. A beautifully written book with a satisfying ending.this is definately one for book club!

Was this review helpful?

When we talk today about women's rights we fail to remember that it wasn't until 1920 that women were allowed to vote in the United States and it has only been in the last forty or so years that women could get their own credit cards or purchase property without a male consigner. Consider that the ERA has never been ratified into law and our country has been unsuccessful in voting a woman into office as President, but still wives have a lot more rights today than they did in the late 1940s and 1950s.

The role of women in 1947 is an underlying theme throughout The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve. Grace Holland is a dutiful wife whose life evolves around her husband Gene and her two young children. She doesn't work or drive, relying on Gene to provide for the family. His will dominates their lives, but their amiable chatter in the evenings plus her friends in the community, especially her next door neighbor Rosie, are enough to keep Grace content with her lot in life. At twenty three she's a little confused about their lackluster sex life, wondering why she must lie face down in an uncomfortable position, but the act is over quickly and her husband's needs must be met (a part of her wifely duty). After an especially rough session, Grace is unsure if she should be grateful for his sudden indifference, but the less he touches her, the less he communicates. Then when one night, after he fails to "perform" despite her assuming the preferred position, Gene becomes taciturn and aloof, withdrawing any of the little bit of affection previously expressed.

When "The Fire" begins in their area, after a summer of drought, the community hopes it won't come so close to the ocean, but despite their preparations, when the alarm is given they barely have time to escape. Rosie and Grace grab their children and head for the ocean, taking refuge in the water protecting the little ones under their bodies. Rosie is rescued first, but by the time help comes for Grace she is suffering from hypothermia. Kindhearted strangers provide assistance as Grave recuperates at the hospital. Her husband, out fighting the fire, does not return, so Grace finds herself relying on others until she can find a way to take up the mantle as provider. Deciding to move into her deceased mother-in-law's vacant home (well almost vacant) and with the help of her mother, she restarts her life. The squatter, a brilliant pianist, stays for awhile to help out, and Grace discovers a new identity along with a true sense of contentment which was formerly missing in her life. Taking advantage of some of the conveniences of the large Victorian House, a home where she was never made to feel welcome, Grace finds a way to survive after losing everything. Of course, when things start to go wrong, she has some serious decisions to make, weighing a sense of duty against the loss of any semblance of her new found liberty.

The author creates a story based on a true disaster, an October fire which wiped out parts of Maine from Bar Harbor to Kittery. Grace's tale also reflects the era prior to the bra burning days where women demanded equal rights. Gene reflects the attitude men had towards their wives who were considered more like domestic servants (with benefits) than spouses. Since Gene was a laudable provider who did not beat his wife and even helped out a bit around the house, he would have been considered a commendable husband (despite his lack of ardor in the bedroom). When I hear people lament about the good old days, meaning the 1950s, they often don't realize it was a time of inequality, not just for minorities, but for women. (Or maybe they do!). I liked the fact that Grace was able to reinvent herself after that terrible experience. As a mother of four I empathized with her frantic actions and as a grandmother I rejoiced that her mother was right there for her, providing the support she needed. Almost a child herself, Grace certainly had a full plate.

Well written, fast paced, with just enough action to keep our interest, and a starring role for the crazy weather, I particularly enjoyed the culmination (even though I was secretly anticipating these very actions) with everybody getting exactly what they deserved.

Four stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Another great story from Anita Shreve! Well-developed characters that you really care about keep you reading.

Was this review helpful?

I have previously enjoyed Anita Shreve's novels, like The Pilot's Wife. Unfortunately, this one was disappointing. The historical aspects of the novel were intriguing, but the plot was mundane. I found it difficult to connect with the main character and the romantic arc was so outrageous that I laughed at the ending. Choppy sentences, lengthy digressions on topics such as fashion, and quick transitions also didn't further the progression of the story.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first read by Anita Shreve and I really liked her writing style. I sympathized with Grace and I was pleased with the ending of the story. After the fire, Gracie's personality changed, and she became strong and independent. Gene was my least favorite character because he was very selfish and he lacked compassion. I recommend this book to everyone and I thank the publisher for letting me read it in advance.

Was this review helpful?

Admirable characters, but coincidence and happy endings stretched credulity. An entertaining book for people who crave happy endings/

Was this review helpful?

In 1947, a devastating fire occurred on the coast of Maine. Noted author Anita Shreve, has taken this actual historical occurrence and woven a page turning fictional novel around it. Her protagonist is a young wife named Grace with two toddlers, a baby on the way, and an unkind and distant husband. Grace, like many women of the era, does not question her marriage or her lot in life as the novel opens. When the fire occurs, Grace saves her life and the lives of her children by making pockets in the sand on the ocean and covering their bodies with blankets. When the fire is over, Grace's home is gone, her husband is missing, and she must make a new life for them. The overwhelming feeling this book gave me was one of sadness because Grace suffers a lot--especially in her relationship with her husband and his family, and she is a shining, strong character that one cannot help but care about. This novel was well written, but the plot and characters were not as well thought out as those in her earlier novel The Pilot's Wife. They did not always behave in ways accurate for that era, and there were some illogical and unnecessary portions of the novel. I cared about Grace and her children, so I kept turning the pages, but at the end I was disappointed because the novel could have been better thought out and more uplifting in my humble opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I was seriously surprised by this one… I expected it to be good, that’s for sure. What I didn’t expect was to be swept off my feet and completely mesmerized by it.

Grace considers herself a fairly happy woman, very content with her life: she has a husband who provides for her, two beautiful children, and a great friend named Rosie. That’s it until a fire burns their houses to the ground and Grace, after her husband is declared missing in the fire, is forced to survive on her own – for her sake and her children’s. In this new, twisted reality Grace discovers her inner strengths and a world much bigger than her previous, narrowed life; she now has a job, a car, new friends, and a man who intrigues and fascinates her.

As you can see from the book’s summary, it is a book relying heavily on character development and growth. And while a lot of things happen, it is definitely not a plot-driven book. Grace develops so much as a character, learns so many new things, and above all she learns to love and trust herself. She really discovers her independence and her strength, and it was a marvellous journey to watch.

I was really intrigued by the way Shreve chose to portray Grace’s relationship with her husband, Gene. What started off as a mildly uncomfortable relationship, with no chemistry or love between the couple, ended up becoming a more twisted, poisonous one. Gene is very controlling, self-centered, neglectful, and abusive (both physically and sexually), and seeing Grace escaping him – especially since victims of domestic ab*se are still sidelined or silenced – had a huge impact on me.

I also enjoyed how Shreve set her time and place, how she explored her scenery and surroundings. I can only compare her use of setting and scenery to that of Ahdieh (in her latest Flame in the Mist). What I mean is that she let her era and place affect her pacing and story-telling; while the narrative isn’t exactly slow, it’s not fast-paced either. It feels very natural, very easy to follow, a lot like listening to classical music: definitely not fast, but with an almost natural rhythm of its own, and so full of emotion. I suppose this comparison is somewhat foreseeable, since classical music plays a major part in Grace’s relationship to a certain someone, even becoming a sort of stepping stone towards her freedom (I hate to be so vague but I don’t want to give away any spoilers).

I do, however, believe that this book had a bit of a wasted potential. While Grace suspects that Gladys and Evelyn are lesbians, their storyline is not explored at all and we barely get to see them separately, much less together. Now, I get that they are secondary characters and that the author chose to go another direction, where their presence wasn’t all that needed, but come on! Middle-aged lesbians during the 40s? That would’ve been amazing. And what about the sapphic vibes coming off Grace’s relationship with Rosie? Please, I was almost positive they would end up together! Anyway, I understand that these are things that I would personally love to see in the book and that they were just wishful thinking.



**An ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.**

Was this review helpful?

Another appearance of the fabulous house that features in many of Anita Shreve's fiction. This time it is used reluctantly by Grace Holland after the devastation of her home and community by fire. She finds both physical and emotional refuge as she tries to put life back together for herself and her two children. At once familiar and new, The Stars are Fire is another great title by Anita Shreve.

Was this review helpful?

Attached please see the links to the 'Staff Picks' & Facebook page.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve always enjoyed Anita Shreve’s books. They’re always intense analyses of human relationships with all their awkwardness and secrets. She never needs many words to paint the most beautiful pictures.
The Stars Are Fire tells the story of Grace who’s starting to realise she’s not happy in her marriage. When her husband disappears and she loses everything she has in a forest fire, she realises that there’s more to life than her unhappy marriage.
In the first part of the book Shreve sets up Grace’s life beautifully, although I didn’t get as much of a feel for Gene as I would’ve liked. Since there is little action, the story moves very slowly, and even too slowly in some parts. The fire doesn’t only bring life to Grace but also to the book. I enjoyed finding out how she was coping with the situation, and how much bigger her life became. It was my favourite part of the book. The last part of the book deals with the time after her husband returns. Again, I had trouble connecting to him. I didn’t quite understand his dark moods and it almost seemed as if Grace and her mother were overreacting. I also had trouble believing the details around his return.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as some of Shreve’s other books. I don’t think we got to see enough of the relationship between Grace and Gene to fully understand it. And as that’s the core story of the book, I feel a little disappointed. 3 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Fire is my worst nightmare! The narrative made the conditions around the fire seem horrible. I admire the way Grace handled the fire and her unlikeable husband. Although the resolution was probably unrealistic, I liked the twist!

Was this review helpful?

I thought I would read this book but after reading the first 2 pages I put it down. It is not my style.

Was this review helpful?

Anita Shreve is one of our finest writers and this book reaffirms her place in the pantheon of authors. She has based this story around the historic fire that devistated coastal Maine after WWII. The conflagration and subsequent resurrection are seen through the eyes of Grace Holland, a very young mother of two, chained to a miserable husband, who becomes much worse after being severely burned while fighting the fire.

Grace proves herself to have superhuman strength and resourcefulness as she tries to make a life for her family. Just as she has regained her footing, her husband returns, an angry, cruel, abusive invalid. Despite her efforts and dedication, she must take her children to start a new life in Nova Scotia. Against all odds, she triumphs and the reader is left with a glimmer of hope as she runs into a man who had crossed her path after the fire.

The book is so engaging and so beautifully written that I felt I was present with Grace and her struggles against incredible odds. Each event is explored so that the reader is part of the experience. Every woman has to admire Grace, who despite her youth, is a formidable character, a true woman of valor.

Was this review helpful?

I don't normally read much so-called "Women's Fiction," because generally speaking I find the genre a bit too melodramatic and weepy for my tastes. So take my review with a grain of salt, as I'm not the most unbiased of reviewers for this genre. That said, I enjoyed this one more than I thought I might.

My quibbles are as follows: primarily, the romance sub-plot with the dreamy Irish piano prodigy. I would have rather seen Grace come into her own without adding in this new romance. Aidan's character never feels fully formed to me, and how long did they know each other, anyway? I think nine days was mentioned? I know Grace is terribly lonely and looking for comfort, but that's not much of a foundation for a great love affair. It's also rather too convenient for me that he happens to be handsome and kind and marvelously talented: a real dreamboat, if you will. A slowly developing romance with someone who was less of a textbook "catch" would've been more believable and enjoyable, in my opinion.

Secondly, the character of Gene is rather too one-dimensional for my taste. I would've liked to see him as a more complicated character rather than as a cut-and-dry villain; the nuance of showing Gene as a complicated man struggling but failing to make his relationship work would have been much more interesting for me. Without giving him more depth, Grace's ultimate decision to leave him seems like a no-brainer. I would've liked to have seen a more ambiguous "did she do the right thing?" kind of conclusion. I did not feel as engaged in Grace's journey as I would have liked, given that it seemed fairly obvious how things would pan out in the end.

Overall, a quick read that gives a window into the struggles of an woman stuck in an unhappy marriage at the time of a great historical crisis. Recommended with some reservations.

Was this review helpful?