The House is on Fire: How tragedy brings out the best and worst in people

? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

The House is on Fire: Rachel Beanland’s work of historical fiction is inspired by the true events that took place in Richmond, Virginia in the early 1800s. The story unfolds when, the night after Christmas, a theater — packed with people celebrating the festive season — goes up in flames, claiming dozens of lives. The previously separate lives of Sally, Cecily, Jack, and Gilbert suddenly intertwine through their different connections to the theater. The novel centers on issues of race and how tragedy often brings out the best — and sometimes also the worst — in people.