The Circus Fire

A True Story of an American Tragedy

De: Stewart O'Nan

Narrado por: Dick Hill

One of America's most acclaimed novelists turns to nonfiction in this powerful re-creation of the great Hartford circus fire, which took the lives of 167 people and forever changed the city and its people.

On July 6, 1944, in Hartford, Connecticut, the big top of Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus caught fire during the middle of the afternoon performance. Nine thousand people were inside. The canvas of the big tent had been waterproofed with a mixture of paraffin and gasoline. In seconds, the big top was burning out of control. Bleacher seats were fronted by steel railings with narrow openings; the main exits were blocked by caged chutes in which leopards and lions were maddened by the fire.

In re-creating the horrific events of one of America's most cataclysmic civic tragedies, Stewart O'Nan has fashioned both an incomparably gripping narrative and a profound, measured glimpse into the extremes of human behavior under duress. In the madness of the inferno, some, like animal trainer May Kovar and the tragic Bill Curlee (who tossed dozens of children to safety over the lion's chute), would act with superhuman bravery. Others, like the sailor who broke a woman's jaw to get past her, would become beasts. The toll of the fire, and its circumstances, haunt Hartford to the present day - the identity of one young victim, known only as Little Miss 1565, remains an enduring mystery and a source of conflict in the city.

But it is the intense, detailed narrative - before, after, and especially during the panic under the burning tent - that will remain with listeners long after they finish this exceptional book.

©2001 Stewart O'Nan (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"This moving elegy does tribute both to the terrible tragedy and to O'Nan's talent as a writer." ( Publishers Weekly)

The Circus Lure

If you could sum up The Circus Fire in three words, what would they be?

Intense, compassionate and thorough.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Circus Fire?

How devasting the disaster was in the annals of history. The descriptions of the victims. You could feel the fear.

Have you listened to any of Dick Hill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I want to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me cry. It also made me respect the history of the circus and the lure of the circus.

A Powerful and Unforgettable Historical Account

Any additional comments?

Beyond doubt, this is a powerful and detailed account of an American tradegy. It was an experience I will not soon forget. Narrator, Dick Hill brings O'Nan's painstakingly researched story to vibrant life. Hill plays every character to perfection in an absolutely stellar performance. If you listen to books, you must listen to this one. Nothing on the printed page could convey the raw emotion as does this audio version.

Compelling

Well-written, compelling, moving story. I enjoyed it even though parts are heart-breaking.

Very descriptive history of long ago

I have listened to this twice now. Could not stop. Is a very sad, but needful lesson to be learned. Was told very well.

Sadly True

I Like the narrator. He did a Wonderful job. The stories were put together very well . It was filled with details. That I could hardly stand at times. But sometimes safety is learned by History. The truth is that This was an awful thing that happened to so many people. & even more were effected. So much that it effected there way of living... God Rest Their Souls...