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The Circus Fire : A True Story of an American Tragedy
The Circus Fire A True Story of an American Tragedy
Author: Stewart O'Nan
The acclaimed author of A Prayer for the Dying brings all his narrative gifts to bear on this gripping account of tragedy and heroism-the great Hartford circus fire of 1944. — Halfway through a midsummer afternoon performance, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus's big top caught fire. The tent had been waterproofed with a mixtur...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780385496858
ISBN-10: 0385496850
Publication Date: 6/12/2001
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 19

3.9 stars, based on 19 ratings
Publisher: Anchor
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 4
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

nascargal avatar reviewed The Circus Fire : A True Story of an American Tragedy on + 352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a very good account of the tragic circus fire that happened in Hartford, CT in 1944. There were heroes, cowards, and many victims. This book is very interesting.
bookaddict avatar reviewed The Circus Fire : A True Story of an American Tragedy on
Helpful Score: 2
This book is about the Ringling Bros/Barnum&Bailey fire in Hartford in 1944, in which the Big Top caught fire and 167 people died. I usually love Stewart O'Nan, but I confess that I found this one a wee bit dry.

From the back of the book:

"Stewart O'Nan [author of A Prayer For the Dying] brings all his narrative gifts to bear on this gripping account... Brilliantly constructed and exceptionally moving, The Circus Fire is history at its most compelling."
reviewed The Circus Fire : A True Story of an American Tragedy on
Helpful Score: 2
Wow. This is an amazing book. I had heard of the Hartford Circus Fire tragedy, but had no previous inkling of the real magnitude of this tragedy. O'Nan's account is a fascinating and heartbreaking tale, that had me riveted throughout. My husband also enjoyed this book and we have lent it out to various friends. Very highly recommended from our perspective.
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