Great Fire

Award-winning author Jim Murphy whisks you back in time to witness the disastrous 1871 Chicago Fire. He depicts the tragedy so vividly, you can almost feel the scorching heat and hear the roar of the blaze as it reduces the bustling city to a smoldering wasteland. On a warm Sunday evening, a fire breaks out in a barn. No one worries about it—fires are common in Chicago. But soon a sea of flames is sweeping up and down the streets, devouring everything in its path. People pour into the roads, hoping to outrun the raging inferno. Their shouts ring through the night as wind carries crackling tongues of fire ahead of them, blocking their chance of escape. Weaving together accounts of actual survivors and historical writings, the author creates a thrilling book that reads like an exciting adventure story. Narrator John McDonough keeps you on the edge of your chair from the first flickering flame to the trying aftermath when Chicago rises from the ashes.