The publisher kindly sent me a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
It’s 1871 and Emmeline Carter is poised to take Chicago’s high society by storm. Between her father’s sudden rise to wealth, and her recent engagement to Chicago’s most eligible bachelor, Emmeline has it all. But she can’t stop thinking about the life she left behind, including her childhood sweetheart, Anders Magnuson. Fiona Byrne, Emmeline’s childhood best friend, is delighted by her friend’s sudden rise to prominence, especially since it means Fiona is free to pursue Anders herself. But when Emmeline risks everything for one final fling with Anders, Fiona feels completely betrayed.
As the summer turns to fall, the city is at a tipping point: friendships are tested, hearts are broken, and the tiniest spark might set everything ablaze. Sweeping, soapy, and romantic, this is a story about an epic love triangle — one that will literally set the city ablaze, and change the lives of three childhood friends forever.
When We Caught Fire Review
When We Caught Fire is a quick historical fiction book that focuses on friendship and love. While I was incredibly excited for this book, it fell flat for me.
When We Caught Fire follows Emmeline, a young socialite, and her best friend Fiona, a lady’s maid. After seeing her old childhood crush, Emmeline must decide if it’s worth pursing and losing her place in society.
The only thing I truly loved about this book is the setting of Chicago and the Great Chicago Fire. This is because it’s really interesting seeing how Anna Godbersen intertwined this event with the plot of the book.
I also think that she links the Great Chicago Fire to the decisions that the characters make really well. It really immerses the reader in the strain that this fire had on those in Chicago.
But, in the end this is the only enjoyable aspect for me. While I enjoyed Anna Godbersen’s previous series, The Luxe, the characters and storyline of this book are just okay.
In my opinion, Emmeline isn’t a great main character. She’s extremely selfish and she has no regard for her actions and how they affect others. Her decision making annoys me and while this may have been the intent, I didn’t enjoy it.
But, Fiona is someone I did enjoy. She’s a strong character but totally blind to the way Emmeline treats her. I think that Fiona is a saving grace for this book, but she still could have been more entertaining.
The love triange in this book is okay but it’s also underwhelming. Anders is an interesting character but his confusion is really annoying.
While the setting and the historical aspect is enjoyable, I really struggled to invest in the characters and storyline.
Overall, I think if you’re a fan of Anna Godbersen’s previous books, you might want to give this book a shot. But it didn’t live up to my original expectations.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favourite Quote
By the next night, the world as they knew it would be gone, and there would be no mistaking the Great Fire for any of the small conflagrations that came before.
About the Author
Anna Godbersen was born in Berkeley, California and moved to New York to attend Barnard College. After graduating she worked in the literary department of Esquire magazine, where she also wrote book reviews. Her debut novel was the first installment of the bestselling Luxe series for young adults, which she followed with the Bright Young Things series. The Blonde, which Weinstein published in 2014, was her first book for grownups. When We Caught Fire, a young adult novel set during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, will be published by HarperTeen in October, 2018.
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Haven’t read a lot of historical fiction. The book cover’s amazing though!
Historical fiction is one of my favourites! The cover is definitely beautiful! 😊