Threads and Flames

I have always been interested in this topic. There were several interesting points about the Triangle Shirtwaist fire that are contained in this book.

While not quite as emotionally powerful as Haddix's Uprising, Friesner still creates characters and setting that are believable. I became quite attached to Raisa, Brina, Gavrel, and the rest. Raise comes to America to escape her Jewish Shtetl. She plans to meet up with her sister, Henda, in New York. But when she gets there with a young girl she has taken under her wing, she finds her sister missing. Frantically, Raisa looks for her sister, but first she must find a place to live and a job to support herself and Brina. She meets Gavrel, a garment worker and a rabbi in training. She moves in with his family and finally finds work in a sweatshop. With her dreams of an education and finding her sister, Raisa must find a way past the terrible conditions and mind-numbing, exhausting work at the Triangle Waist Company. And then the fire occurs and the life Raisa's has dreamed about hangs in the balance. Friesner does a fine job telling Raisa's story.

I really like what this author does in creating a narrative around historic events. The history is well researched and full of accurate historic details. This particular novel is my favorite of this kind that she has written. These books would make an excellent tool for teachers in English and history to make these historic figures come alive.

If you know about the Triangle Shirt Factory Fire, then you know its sad tale. This book presents a less oppressive, and yet even more emotional, look as it told through the eyes of one of the girls working there.

Wonderfully told story of historical significance! A great read for any age group. Recommended for anyone that love historical fiction.

Loved it!

Well written! About page 170 the book becomes a page turner, and you just have to keep reading to find out what happens.

I highly recommend this book. It highlighted an interesting time in history from a unique perspective. It is definitely worth a read!

Intressanter Roman mit realem Hintergrund, nur der Schluss war ein wenig kitschig. Trotzdem, gute Lektüre für graue Wintertage. Damals war eine Auswanderung eben eine Entscheidung fürs ganze Leben.