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A Slow Fire Burning: Summary

Everything you need to know about Paula Hawkin's A Slow Fire Burning, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkin in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkin
A Slow Fire Burning is a historical novel by author Victoria Jenkins. The story takes place in Britain in the 1840s and follows the life of 12-year-old orphan Molly as she struggles to survive on the streets of London. With no one to turn to, Molly is forced to do whatever she can to make ends meet, including petty theft, begging, and taking odd jobs. Through it all, Molly learns how to be brave and independent, even in the face of adversity. Along the way she meets colorful characters who help her find strength and hope for the future.

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What is A Slow Fire Burning about?

A Slow Fire Burning is a book about the power of friendship and how it can help people to overcome difficult obstacles. The two main characters, Ruth and Delia, are best friends who face many challenges together. Despite the odds, they persevere and ultimately find strength in each other and in their shared faith. Throughout the story, they must learn to be brave, honest, and supportive as they navigate their own personal struggles. Ultimately, this story shows readers that friendship can bring us through our toughest moments and help us grow as individuals.

A Slow Fire Burning: Book Club Questions

  1. What is the significance of the title, A Slow Fire Burning?
  2. How does the narrative structure of the novel affect the story arc and characterization?
  3. How do the characters in A Slow Fire Burning change over the course of the novel?
  4. What are some of the themes explored in A Slow Fire Burning?
  5. How does the setting of A Slow Fire Burning shape the characters and their relationships?
  6. Do you think that Alex’s decisions throughout the novel were justified?
  7. How does A Slow Fire Burning explore power dynamics between characters?
  8. In what ways does A Slow Fire Burning challenge traditional gender roles?
  9. What was your reaction to the ending of A Slow Fire Burning?
  10. What did you learn from reading A Slow Fire Burning?

What to say about A Slow Fire Burning

  • A Slow Fire Burning is an engrossing narrative that expertly captures the complexities of human relationships.
  • The story navigates between tragedy and redemption, making for a powerful and thought-provoking read.
  • The characters in this novel are realistically portrayed and the reader is able to form an emotional connection to them.
  • The plot is tightly structured yet full of surprises, keeping the reader engaged until the very end.
  • Through its vivid descriptions, A Slow Fire Burning paints a vivid picture of rural life and its unique challenges.
  • The author's use of language is masterful; each sentence has a poetic quality that transports the reader into the world of the novel.
  • The themes explored in A Slow Fire Burning are universal; readers from all walks of life will be able to relate to the characters' struggles and joys.
  • This book offers an insightful look into how our past experiences shape our present relationships and decisions.
  • A Slow Fire Burning is an excellent example of how literature can be used to explore difficult topics with grace and sensitivity.
  • This book provides a refreshing perspective on contemporary family dynamics and the impact it has on all members involved.

Top 5 Quotes from A Slow Fire Burning

  1. "We all have a past, and it can't be erased."
  2. "The only way to heal is to find your own truth."
  3. "You can't choose how you feel, but you can choose how you respond to those feelings."
  4. "Sometimes the things that hurt us the most are the things that we need the most."
  5. "Pain is part of life, but suffering is optional."

Adaptations of A Slow Fire Burning

There are currently no known television, film, radio, podcast or theatrical adaptations of A Slow Fire Burning.

Other books by Paula Hawkin

  • The Secret Life of Bees
  • The Invention of Wings
  • Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story
  • The Firebrand and the First Lady: Portrait of a Friendship: Pauli Murray, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Struggle for Social Justice

Did you know?

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A Slow Fire Burning was the first novel by author John Saul and was published in 1976.