American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land
American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land
Book Brief
BetaAmerican Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017255
Book • Nonfiction
Accomack County, Virginia • 2010s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse explores the true story of individuals involved in a series of arson attacks in rural Virginia. It delves into the social and economic challenges of the community, detailing the impact on the people and their resilience amidst the chaos.
Informative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
18,239 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse receives acclaim for its engaging narrative and detailed exploration of rural decline intertwined with a compelling crime story. Hesse's journalistic prowess shines, though some find her digressions distracting. The blend of human drama and social commentary offers a captivating read.
Who Should Read American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land?
A reader who enjoys American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land would be captivated by true crime intertwined with social commentary. Fans of Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer and Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, exploring the dynamics of rural America, would find this narrative compelling.
18,239 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
American Fire by Monica Hesse explores the real-life series of arson incidents in Accomack County, Virginia, where more than 80 fires were set over a span of five months in 2012-2013.
The book delves into the economic decline of rural America, providing a backdrop that investigates the community's struggles amidst the chaos of the fires.
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Monica Hesse, an author and journalist, is also a feature writer for The Washington Post, where she covers culture and human-interest stories.
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255
Book • Nonfiction
Accomack County, Virginia • 2010s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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