The Great Fire
The Great Fire
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Brief
Beta326
Novel • Fiction
•
Japanese LiteratureJapan • 1940s
•
World History2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard follows individuals navigating post-World War II landscapes. The story centers around Aldred Leith, a war survivor and writer encountering personal and cultural transformations. Set across Asia and Europe, the narrative explores themes of love, recovery, and the lasting impacts of conflict.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
6,066 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard is lauded for its evocative prose and atmospheric settings, capturing post-war realities with grace. Critics praise its character depth and emotional resonance, but note a slow narrative pace that may deter some readers. Overall, it’s hailed as a profound exploration of love and recovery amidst the aftermath of conflict.
Who Should Read The Great Fire?
A reader who enjoys The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard likely appreciates literary fiction with historical depth, exploring post-WWII themes and intricate character studies. Fans of Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day or Ian McEwan's Atonement may find similar appeal in its nuanced prose and exploration of human resilience.
6,066 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
326
Novel • Fiction
•
Japanese LiteratureJapan • 1940s
•
World History2003
Adult
18+ years
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