The Book of Fire is the latest book by bestselling author Christy Lefteri, published in 2023.
Christy Lefteri is perhaps best known for writing the hugely successful book The Beekeeper of Aleppo. I personally preferred her 2021 novel, Songbirds. It was so beautifully written and the story has stayed with me long after I finished it.
I was therefore really excited to read The Book of Fire.
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Plot
In a picturesque Greek village nestled within an ancient forest, Irini, Tasso, and their daughter Chara lead a tranquil life. However, their world is shattered when a devastating forest fire sweeps through the village, leaving complete destruction in its wake.
As Tasso and Chara grapple with the aftermath, Irini is burdened by guilt, haunted by her involvement in the fate of the person responsible for igniting the fire.
The family must navigate the emotional fallout as they come to terms with the irreparable damage to their lives and community.
The Book of Fire Book Review
Another brilliant book by Christy Lefteri. I love books that tug on my heartstrings and this one certainly did that.
The storytelling in this book is absolutely stunning. Despite the heart-wrenching subject matter, the beauty of the writing is captivating, turning the pain of the story into something profoundly moving. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that even in the midst of tragedy, the elegance of the prose shines through.
The descriptions of the forest and the woodland creatures were so evocative I could imagine the devastation Irini and her family must have felt to see it destroyed.
I loved reading about Irini and Tasso’s relationship from when they first met as children and later fell in love and got married. I could only imagine the grief Irini felt as her husband seemed so changed by the fire.
The book is cleverly written with chapters dedicated to the present day as Irini Tasso and Chara try to rebuild their lives. There are also chapters from Irini’s attempts to write her own story, ‘The Book of Fire’. These sections walk us through what happened the day of the fire.
The story was harrowing in places. as you would expect about a fire that caused death and destruction, not only to the land and the woodland creatures, but also to homes and people that lived there. However this is also a story of hope, love, redemption and perseverance.
I liked how the story slowly slotted into place as we realise what exactly happened to the man who started the fire. The moral dilemmas explored in the story really made me think. Does someone who causes such widespread devastation and loss deserve to face the loss of their own life? It’s a weighty question that lingered in my thoughts long after putting the book down.
The discussion around climate change also struck a chord. The realisation that the land was dry even before the fire hit highlights the shared impact we have on the environment.
What to read next
I would definitely recommend reading Christy Lefteri’s other novels. The Beekeeper of Aleppo is perhaps her most famous book but I personally enjoyed Songbirds more.
If you enjoyed the Book of Fire I think you would also enjoy Elif Shafak’s book, particularly The Island of Missing Trees.
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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.