This book was such a compelling read but one that was seeped in sadness, literally dripping off each page.
The writing was superb, otherwise such a story would have been a depressing read.
The story covers a family in the wake of a massive deliberately lit forest fire in Greece which decimates the forest, destroys a community and killed hundreds of people. A simple story but one that was so touching.
The book was written with three time lines: the present, the Book of Fire where Irini writes about the night of the fire, and her memories of her father. These three timelines are beautifully interwoven creating a wonderful insight into the family and their experience.
However, the story is essentially about resilience and how community, the kindness of strangers and time heals to an extent that life can go on. It is a story which will stay with me for a while.
The writing was superb, otherwise such a story would have been a depressing read.
The story covers a family in the wake of a massive deliberately lit forest fire in Greece which decimates the forest, destroys a community and killed hundreds of people. A simple story but one that was so touching.
The book was written with three time lines: the present, the Book of Fire where Irini writes about the night of the fire, and her memories of her father. These three timelines are beautifully interwoven creating a wonderful insight into the family and their experience.
However, the story is essentially about resilience and how community, the kindness of strangers and time heals to an extent that life can go on. It is a story which will stay with me for a while.