Trial By Fire is the incredible true story of a nightclub concert gone wrong and the hundreds of lives affected as a result.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for my gifted copy for review!
On Feb. 20, 2003, in a small town on Rhode Island, hair metal band Great White took the stage at The Station and set off pyrotechnics to open their show.
Seconds later, the walls of the stage were in flames - and mere minutes following, the entire building was engulfed. With more than 400 concert-goers and staff inside.
Ultimately, 100 lives were lost and hundreds more injured.
Author and journalist Scott James, who grew up in the event's town of West Warwick, takes us through the evening in question, the players, and the aftermath.
Who was to blame for one of the largest fire-related losses of life since modern fire codes came into being? How did the fire ignite, and spread, so incredibly quickly?
James's writing is clear, descriptive and research meticulous without being sensational. The event itself is so incredibly tragic that no embellishment is required. Descriptions of deaths and harm incurred are not for the faint of heart, as burn and smoke injuries are so very devastating.
All human angles are examined in the book; from the club owners, patrons and victims, band members and management, media, government officials, first responders and healthcare personnel, attorneys and investigators. All factors relating to the fire are presented - the issues and errors that wove together for such a tragic result are mind-boggling.
This non-fiction novel made a big impact on me and will not soon be forgotten. It is easily a standout in the genre. Absolutely recommended.