29th April 1986. Los Angeles Central Library is on fire. The design of the building, lack of ventilation and limited firefighter access increases the power of the fire. Thousands and thousands of books are destroyed. The librarians are outside, weeping.
Susan Orlean’s extraordinary book is partly an investigation into the cause of the devastating fire and the character of the suspected arsonist, an aspiring young actor named Harry Peak. It’s also about the idea of the library, considering what libraries are for, what they mean to us, the vital role they play in our culture and society.
The narrative alternates between the story of the fire and the history of the LA Central Library to the present day. If Susan only wrote about the fire, the book would be quite thin. Far from ‘padding out’ the book, the other material puts the fire into context. We can truly understand the impact of the fire if we understand the library’s history and functions.
The author spent years researching and writing this book; it’s a fantastic achievement and one of the best aspects is how she talks to people involved with the library and the fire, ranging from librarians to firefighters to friends and family of the suspect. She arranges interviews, tags along to meetings, rifles through archives, even ends up helping to register homeless people in the LA Central Library. Oh, and she burns a book (it’s research, you understand). Her description of the books burning in the library fire is horrific, yet gripping. I also found it interesting to read about the recovery and conservation of the books that survived.
If you love libraries and learning, then read this book! Quite appropriately, I borrowed it from a library.
Thanks to Jee @ Hooked on Bookz for bringing my attention to this book with her review last year.
Sounds very interesting. Must add it to my list
It’s one of the best non fiction books I’ve read lately – I hope you like it if you get around to reading 🙂
I thought this was an extraordinary book too, I’m glad to hear you liked it so much too!
Thanks – yes, I’ve never read a book like this one, I’ve now got The Orchid Thief because I like the writing style.
Thank you for the mention, NS! So so glad you loved this book too! And what a fantastic review!! I love it! Truly describes the book and the hard work the author put in to put the whole thing together! ??
Thanks so much – your review was where I first heard about the book. It is really is a great achievement by the author and I hope a lot more people will read it 🙂
Me too! ❤️
Great review, NS! I’ve heard much about this book, but wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it. Thanks for pushing me off the fence!!
You’re welcome! I would say be prepared for some heart wrenching descriptions of the library burning, but it’s not all about that. I hope you enjoy reading the book 🙂
Thanks for reviewing this – I didn’t know Susan Orleans had a new book out…and on a library, no less! I must, MUST read this. Thanks again! 🙂
You’re welcome! I’ve never read anything like this book. It held my interest all the way through. I hope you enjoy it when you get round to reading 🙂
I’m currently reading this and totally engrossed. Fab review! x
Great read isn’t it? Thanks for your comment 🙂
This sounds terrific – great review!
Thank you – it’s a very good read and I’ll always remember it! 🙂
Wonderful review NS! It’s on my TBR to read.
Thank you! 🙂
I borrowed this book from the library and am thoroughly enjoying it. I’m about halfway through and can hardly put it down – such fascinating history. Thanks again for recommending. 🙂
I’m so pleased you’re enjoying this book! You’re welcome – and in fact, another blogger recommended it to me, and when I saw my library had it on the ebook catalogue, I had to read it!