From the opening lines of this book, it is obvious that this isn't just another fire story. The author comments that the fire of Peshtigo took place on the same night as the infamous fire in Chicago, but is hardly remembered (although the Chicago fire is mentioned often). And the author is right, I've asked around and no one recalls hearing about such a fire, much less that the fire is captioned as 'the deadliest wildfire event in American history.'
Today, Peshtigo is best known (with a population of only about 4000) for the fire that almost obliterated it. Frankly, I'm sorry there are only 5 stars to offer this fascinating read. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I felt like I were there, watching the trees explode and the hot ashes "snowing" over everything. The author should take up writing fictional armageddon stories.
The reason this story is so poignant is that the author told the story through the eyes of several of the citizens of Peshtigo. The author wrote word pictures of the aftermath: Father Pernin found a pool of metal on the ground; it was all that was left of the church's new bell.
The book ends with a telling quip: "Wherever disaster goes, heroism follows." The author tells of other devastating fires in America -- and the heroic efforts of many to help their fellow man face the horrors. This book is well worth a reader's time and interest.
Today, Peshtigo is best known (with a population of only about 4000) for the fire that almost obliterated it. Frankly, I'm sorry there are only 5 stars to offer this fascinating read. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I felt like I were there, watching the trees explode and the hot ashes "snowing" over everything. The author should take up writing fictional armageddon stories.
The reason this story is so poignant is that the author told the story through the eyes of several of the citizens of Peshtigo. The author wrote word pictures of the aftermath: Father Pernin found a pool of metal on the ground; it was all that was left of the church's new bell.
The book ends with a telling quip: "Wherever disaster goes, heroism follows." The author tells of other devastating fires in America -- and the heroic efforts of many to help their fellow man face the horrors. This book is well worth a reader's time and interest.
