Alright folks, buckle up because we've got a wild ride ahead of us with this audiobook. We're diving into the world of historical fiction as we explore an incendiary tragedy that left a young nation shocked and a community torn apart. And who better to guide us on this journey than our talented narrator, Ruffin Prentiss Iii, along with a stellar cast including Rachel Beanland, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Michael Crouch, and Andi Arndt.
Now, let's set the stage. It's winter in Richmond, Virginia, back in 1811. The social season is in full swing, the General Assembly is in session, and all the esteemed gentlemen planters, accompanied by their families, have made the grueling journey to the capital. Why? Well, to escape the dreary days of winter, of course.
But what's really got our attention is the city's only theater. The Charleston-based Placide & Green Company has been cranking out two plays a night to keep up with the insatiable demand of the population. You see, people are starting to realize that they can find enlightenment outside of the church. Shocking, I know.
Picture this: the night after Christmas, the theater is overflowing with more than six hundred merry-makers. In the elegant third-floor boxes, we find the recently widowed Sally Henry Campbell, seeking solace in the memories of her late husband. Just a floor below, Cecily Patterson couldn't care less about the play, but she's grateful for the brief respite it offers from her troubled life.
Meanwhile, backstage, our young protagonist Jack Gibson, a stagehand with big dreams, is hoping to impress the theater's managers and secure a permanent gig. And in another corner of town, Gilbert Hunt, a blacksmith, dreams of bringing his wife to the theater one day. But freedom comes at a price, and he'll have to work hard and save up to make that dream a reality.
But hold on tight, because tragedy strikes when the theater goes up in flames right in the middle of the performance. In the blink of an eye, Sally, Cecily, Jack, and Gilbert are thrown into a series of split-second decisions that not only change their lives but also leave a lasting impact on countless others.
As news of the disaster spreads across the budding United States, the lives of these four individuals become forever intertwined. This gripping tale, inspired by the true story of Richmond's theater fire, will have you on the edge of your seat. The House Is on Fire is a stunning exploration of the human spirit amidst great tragedy. And in those darkest moments, as we'll soon discover, redemption may just be within our grasp.
So, my dear listeners, get ready to embark on this all-consuming adventure. With an audiobook rating of 2.9 out of 5, we can't promise perfection. But with a runtime of 12 hours and 28 minutes, you'll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in this tale of resilience and hope. Let's hit play and see where the flames of destiny take us.