THE BOOK OF FIRE by Christy Lefteri

5 stars

A Greek Island goes up in consuming flames set by a wealthy vacationer, leaving islanders suddenly running to and jumping into the sea to save their lives, others getting trapped and dying, and almost all of the lovely island forested growth, olive trees, pine trees and wildflowers ending in ash. The story divides into three timelines: the night of the fire, life on the island pre-fire, and the desolation and the grief of survivors post-fire.

A couple and their pre-teen child form the centerpiece: Tasso, a local forest and wildlife painter, Irini who plays multiple musical instruments and comes from a family of artisan instrument creators and Chara, their daughter. Tasso, who goes back to rescue his Dad, emerges from the fire with completely burnt hands, all of Irini’s instruments and family heirlooms burn away, and Chara has literally Char mapping burn marks along her back in the shape of a tree.

Each also bears the psychological scars of the fire as they take up residence in Tasso’s dad’s house – his dad lost but the house miraculously unscathed by fire. The story gets told as Irini processes her grief by taking to writing a journal about what happened.

Irini also stumbles upon the deeply injured man who started the fire: a land prospector hoping only for a controlled burn to enable the building of another high-end vacation home high up in the mountain. But thinking of all the desolation he’s caused, Irini tells no one that she’s stumbled across him when her dog went off leash. Tried to kills himself out of guilt or attacked for retribution? The local police get involved in an investigation.

For anyone who’s been touched by tragedy and tried to slowly piece together life and find meaning, and even joy, in its aftermath, this book will deeply resonate.

Thanks to Random House, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.