
The Circus Fire
A True Story of an American Tragedy
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Narrated by:
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Dick Hill
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By:
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Stewart O'Nan
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.Listeners also enjoyed...




















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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.The Circus Lure
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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.A Powerful and Unforgettable Historical Account
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Compelling
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Very descriptive history of long ago
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Sadly True
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Saddest book I've ever loved 💙
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Intriguing and Interesting -- Goes on a bit long
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Harrowing and brilliantly detailed
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What made the experience of listening to The Circus Fire the most enjoyable?
I enjoy history and this was a piece of history that I knew nothing about. A circus fire that killed 167 people and changed Hartford, Conn. profoundly was very engrossing. The author, (who writes fiction) was very succinct in his facts and looked at every aspect of the fire.What other book might you compare The Circus Fire to and why?
Calamity, the Heppner flood of 1903 by Joann Green Byrd. Both are disaster stories and both bring out the heroics of regular people when confronted with adversity. Both were very empowering stories.What aspect of Dick Hill’s performance would you have changed?
He was adequate, I don't know what he could have done better. I just couldn't put him up there with Scott Brick, John Lee or Nadia May.If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
The greatest show on earth in flames!Any additional comments?
While I liked this book, there were times that the numerous descriptions of the fire victims made me squirm and after a time became so repetitive that it was hard to listen to. Overall I learned a lot and came away with a greater understanding of what someone surviving a disaster of this magnitude deals with day to day.However, as I said earlier this book was quite gruesome and not for everyone.
Not for the faint of heart!
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Wow! A brillian way to convey this tragedy
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