The Book of Fires

...by Jane Borodale (a debut novel)

Rec'd as an Advanced Readers Copy
356 Pages
Release Date: 01/21/10


This is the story of a young, naïve country girl who, given the worst of circumstances, sets out to make the best of her life anyway. Her innocence is touching, making her very likeable from the start.


The eighteenth century isn’t such a good time to be unwed and pregnant. In England, it is a hangable offense, and poor Agnes is left to her own devises, each day drawing nearer the time she would be found out. It’s in desperation that she leaves her home and finds herself in London. Borodale is an excellent storyteller, and the characters that Agnes meets along the way are colorful; I could “hear” all their voices as I read, and could practically feel Agnes’ anxiousness that they may find her out. All the while, she is working as assistant to a brooding fireworks maker, whom I have decided should definitely be played by Alan Rickman in the movie, should there be one. It is with him, in his workshop, that Agnes learns that she has a talent, I think; potential that makes her realize that she matters and is truly worth saving, despite what the world is telling her. This is a story about making one’s way; finding not only survival, but also purpose, friendship, and a place to belong.


The last chapters, instead of winding down the story, as many books do, is filled with twists and surprises that make you want it to go on and on. It gave me the impression that Borodale didn’t want it to end as she was writing. It was absolutely wonderful clear up to the last page, and not once did I find myself saying, “but what about…..?”. I was able to put this down, finished, with satisfaction, and I can’t wait to read something else from this writer, when it becomes available (this is a debut novel).

The Book of Fires will be available in late January, 2010.