Super Short Summary

The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland is a historical fiction novel depicting the chaos and consequences of the 1811 Richmond Theatre Fire through the experiences of four individuals: Sally Henry Campbell, a grieving widow; Cecily Patterson, an enslaved woman who seizes a chance for freedom; Gilbert Hunt, an enslaved blacksmith who aids in rescue efforts; and Jack Gibson, a young stagehand entangled in secrets about the fire. The book addresses a large-scale tragedy, including discussions of mass death, grievous injuries, enslavement, physical abuse, rape, incest, child abuse, and the objectification of women.