Review: THE STARS ARE FIRE (+Friday56 LinkUp)

Title: The Stars are Fire by Anita Shreve

Book Beginnings quote: 

A spring of no spring. Grace pins Gene's khakis to a line that stretches diagonally over the yellow linoleum of the kitchen. Only heat from the stove will dry the cotton.

Friday56 quote: 

She floats with her arms out beside her. She lets the waves push her closer to shore. She catches a scent she doesn't associate with the ocean. She stands and sniffs again. A faint whiff of smoke.

Summary:

In October 1947, after a summer-long drought, fires break out all along the Maine coast from Bar Harbor to Kittery and are soon racing out of control from town to village. Five months pregnant, Grace Holland is left alone to protect her two toddlers when her husband, Gene, joins the volunteer firefighters. Along with her best friend, Rosie, and Rosie's two young children, Grace watches helplessly as their houses burn to the ground, the flames finally forcing them all into the ocean as a last resort. They spend the night frantically protecting their children and in the morning find their lives forever changed: homeless, penniless, awaiting news of their husbands' fate, and left to face an uncertain future in a town that no longer exists. In the midst of this devastating loss, Grace discovers glorious new freedoms--joys and triumphs she could never have expected her narrow life with Gene could contain--and her spirit soars. Then the unthinkable happens and Grace's bravery is tested as never before. (Publisher)

Review and Discussion questions: The Stars are Fire was this month's book club selection and it just so happened I was in charge of the discussion (asking the questions and keeping the discussion going.) Even though The Stars are Fire wasn't my favorite book of the year, three women in attendance said it was there's. So what do I know? We had a lively and thoughtful discussion which makes even 'meh' books worth it. Read through the questions and you will get an idea of the themes we discussed: the roles of men and women in society in the 1940s; the redemptive power of friendship; and how to make ones way when everything seems impossible.

The Stars are Fire discussion questions --

1. The book opens with an epigraph, a quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet: Doubt thou the stars are fire / Doubt that the sun doth move / Doubt truth to be a liar / But never doubt I love. Why do you think Shreve decided to begin her book with this quote? Is it a good starting point?
2. Talk about the arc of Gene and Grace's relationship and marriage. What signs were ignored in the beginning that became bigger over time? Was there ever a point at which their marriage could be saved?
3. Marjorie told Grace to compartmentalize to maintain her sanity. What did she mean by that? What was some other advice that Marjorie gave to Grace which you thought was wise/unwise. Explain.
4. Gene was a very complicated character. What did we learn about him throughout the book that helped us understand him a little better?
5. Merle seemed to be an unbelievably awful character. Why do you think she had such expensive clothes? Why do you think she hid her jewels? Why do you think she disliked Grace so much? 
6. Talk about the roles of men and women in 1940s. Use examples from the book to make your points.
7. What role does Rosie play in the book? How important is Grace's friendship with Rosie?
8. After the fire, why does Grace think Gene walked away from his life? What did you think happened to him as you were reading?
9. Talk about Grace's relationship with first the musician, Aidan, and second with the doctor. What did these relationships do for her?
10. What aspects of the story did you have the most trouble believing/picturing/understanding? Were there any inconsistencies you couldn't square? What aspects of the writing did you like/not like?
11. Anita Shreve was married four times, before dying in 2018 from cancer. She published many books over her career, with The Pilot's Wife and The Weight of Water probably being her most famous. The Stars are Fire was her last book. Her novels are best known for their twisty, un-put-down-able plots. Did you feel this way about The Stars are Fire? Have you read any of her other books you'd recommend?

I modified these discussion questions for THE STARS ARE FIRE 

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-Anne