Title: The Great Fire
Author: Shirley Hazzard
First published October 14, 2003
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312423582 (ISBN10: 0312423586)
Rating: 3.47
Overview
It’s 1947 and the world is still reeling from the aftermath of the Second World War. Aldred Leith, a celebrated war hero, has spent the last two years in China documenting the changes that have taken place.
But as the war’s influence begins to fade, Leith finds himself struggling to maintain his sense of purpose. Enter Peter Exley, a fellow veteran and friend, who is now working to bring Japanese war criminals to justice.
Despite their shared experiences, both men are haunted by a profound sense of loneliness – a feeling that threatens to engulf them entirely. As they navigate their post-war lives, Leith and Exley must draw on their inner strength to forge a new path forward.
Shirley Hazzard’s The Great Fire is a powerful exploration of humanity’s resilience in the face of destruction.
About the Author
Shirley Hazzard led an interesting life. She was born in Australia and grew up traveling the world with her family, as her parents were diplomats.
She even worked for British Combined Intelligence Services at the young age of 16, where she monitored civil war in China.
Later on, Shirley Hazzard and her family moved to New York City. She worked as a typist at the United Nations Secretariat for a while, but eventually left to pursue writing full-time.
Interestingly, she became a vocal critic of the United Nations and wrote several nonfiction books on the subject.
Shirley Hazzard was well-known for her elegant and controlled writing style. She wrote five novels in total, and her last one, “The Great Fire,” was highly acclaimed.
It was even shortlisted for both the 2004 Man Booker Prize for Fiction and the 2005 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
Editoral Review
Shirley Hazzards The Great Fire is a powerful and beautifully written novel that presents a compelling story, rich with themes and memorable characters. First published in 2003, the book is set in the aftermath of World War II and spans various countries, providing a gloomy view of the world during that time period.
The author, a prolific Australian writer, creates a vivid portrayal of her characters, their backgrounds, and their surroundings. The story revolves around the protagonist, Aldred Leith, a British war hero, and an intelligent and compassionate intellectual, who travels to Japan to study the effects of the atomic bomb.
During his stay, he meets a young Australian girl, Helen, with whom he develops a complex relationship. The novel is slow-paced, but this is hardly a flaw.
Every word is carefully chosen and crafted, elevating the writing to a higher level. Every detail is intentional, and nothing seems out of place.
Hazzard masterfully conveys the theme of the novel, which is the aftermath of war, through the characters’ lives, emotions, and relationships. The writing style is distinctive, and the author expresses her thoughts with language that is both rich and poetic.
The book’s themes, which include love, war, loss, and the meaning of human existence, are explored with eloquence and depth. The author uses a variety of literary techniques, such as flashbacks, cutaways, and imagery, to create a story that is immersive and memorable.
One of the strengths of the novel is its character development, which is subtle and nuanced. The characters are complex and three-dimensional, and the reader’s sympathy for them is gradually built up, making the final outcome all the more poignant.
The setting is also vividly drawn, taking the reader on a journey through various countries, vividly capturing each location’s beauty or devastation. However, there are a few minor flaws in the book.
The novel’s leisurely pacing might discourage readers who prefer fast-paced narratives, and some readers might find the book’s historical references a bit challenging to follow. Nevertheless, these are minor quibbles in the context of such a splendid work of literature.
The Great Fire is a must-read for those interested in literature, history, or culture. The novel transcends its historical setting, offering timeless insights into the human condition, and it is one of the most lyrical and poignant books written in the past decade.
Shirley Hazzards refreshing prose style and flawless execution make The Great Fire an unforgettable reading experience. It receives a rating of 4.5/5, and I strongly recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction.
