I was truly disappointed by this book.

It achieved significant recognition as it won the Miles Franklin and the National Book Award for Fiction in 2004, and was also short-listed for the Orange Prize.

However, as I delved into it, after reading 150 pages, I found myself in a strange situation. I simply could not remember or care about any of the characters.

Moreover, her pretentious prose was extremely tiring. I had to re-read sentence after sentence, constantly thinking "what on earth does THAT mean?"

For my complete and detailed review, please visit: https://residentjudge.com/2024/02/19/...

The book that was supposed to be a literary masterpiece based on its awards and nominations turned out to be a struggle for me to engage with.

I had high expectations, but unfortunately, it failed to meet them.

Maybe others will have a different experience, but for me, it was a letdown.

Hazzard stands side by side with Salter as a master of the sentence. Her use of adjectives is truly exquisite, and her employment of asyndeton is equally remarkable. However, in contrast to her magnificent *Transit of Venus*, this particular book is unfortunately disjointed and stilted.

The dialogue of the characters in this novel seems to closely mirror Hazzard's own prose style, which detracts from the authenticity of the fictional world. Moreover, the arid and oblique progression of the story serves to highlight just how crucial the old-fashioned element of PLOT was to the success of *Transit of Venus*.

Nonetheless, I remain a committed completist when it comes to Hazzard. Her short stories, in particular, are often of a very high standard. Regrettably, though, this final novel fails to reach the lofty heights achieved by her previous works. It is a disappointment, but it does not overshadow the brilliance that she has shown in other aspects of her writing career.

Occasionally, a book emerges that is truly unique, unlike anything else one has ever read. This particular book is precisely that, and it is not intended for the general masses, especially not today's. It is like a form of poetry where one must pause and figure out the metaphor, or decipher the meaning of a phrase or word based on its usage. One might even need to mentally translate it into how they, as the reader, would have expressed the same thing. Personally, I adored this aspect - I like to think of it as engaging in word puzzles. At times, it led to a disjointed reading experience, and there were moments when I simply had to say "oh well" and move on. However, that was acceptable because it did not detract from understanding the story itself.

The title of the book makes an appearance on page 91: "One of my early memories is being taken to the highest point in London by my godmother, a far from primeval figure in toque, dust coat, and lavender spats. My cousin and I climbed a spiral of three hundred and something steps. The monument to the Great Fire. It was worth it, though, at the top." I'm not entirely sure I grasp this, but perhaps it signifies the steady and determined steps that Leith takes to be a survivor, humane, and decent. To love and to love truly. Maybe Hazzard is suggesting that humans are innately good. That struggling and succeeding in rising to the best of one's ability, step by step, is worth the climb. But it's also true that many will fail, or not even attempt it.

War and wartime serve as the ultimate test of this. Kudos to Hazzard for setting the story in post-war 1946/1947 and involving so many countries, thereby illustrating the global strife that ensued at the close of WWII. And for referencing what was to come - Mao in China, the Cold War.

There are elements within the story that are quite disturbing and could easily upset and anger readers. Personally, I was disquieted by the romance between a 35-year-old man and a 17-year-old, but this was the author's choice, the story she wished to tell. I give it 4 stars, not 5, because at times the story shifts were rather difficult (especially in the first third of the book). However, if one perseveres, the third section is beautifully written and rewarding.

Although I may have already mentioned it, I am determined to read all the books recommended on the Backlisted Podcast. The main reason for this is that I require the motivation to read classics, and I also enjoy exploring more obscure works. Backlisted satisfies both of these needs. This time, it is the Australian author Shirley Hazzard, whose works I have always wanted to read.

The Great Fire took the author over 20 years to write, and it truly shows. The book is exquisitely crafted. It takes its time to build momentum, with precise language that showcases the author's care and attention. Moreover, the plot has a classic charm to it.

Aldred Leith travels to post-war Japan to write a book. Once there, he hires a tutor and discovers that he is shared by siblings Ben and Helen. Both are younger than Aldred, and Ben suffers from a life-threatening disease.

Aldred falls in love with Helen, and despite his travels across Asia and Ben's illness, he does his utmost to maintain the relationship. However, more obstacles may lie ahead.

I consider The Great Fire to be an A-level novel. It is masterfully plotted, superbly crafted, and features memorable characters. The more you read, the more details emerge, leading to numerous discussion points such as the nature of relationships and the intersection of world history and personal history. This is a rich and complex novel.

That being said, I did have some difficulties connecting with it. At times, I found it too slow-paced, and I drifted off on several occasions. However, the problem lies with me as a reader, as one cannot deny that The Great Fire is an impressive work. I will definitely read more of Hazzard's books (I already have Transit of Venus on my to-be-read stack), and I hope for a better reading experience.

The writing is truly excellent, presenting a distinct perspective on the post-WWII sentiments of the winners.

It is difficult to envision what it would have been like to be a Brit or, heaven forbid, an American in post-1945 Japan or Asia in general.

I had decided to avoid the WWII theme for a period, but this work offers a perspective that is unique enough to not feel repetitive.

It has piqued my interest and made me look forward to other works by Shirley Hazzard.

I am eager to see what other insights and perspectives she will bring to light through her writing.

Her ability to offer a fresh take on a well-trodden subject is truly remarkable and makes her work a must-read for anyone interested in history and literature.

I have no doubt that her future works will be just as engaging and thought-provoking as this one.

Set in what was then known as "the Far East" in the aftermath of World War II, The Great Fire is an outstanding book penned by an extraordinary writer.

This novel delves into how lives and even cultures have been irrevocably changed by the war. It showcases how people ensnared in its clutches strive to view themselves as having free will and the ability to make choices. It also impels those who have managed to escape catastrophe to seize life and live it to the fullest. The characters are both convincing and unforgettable: Aldred Leith, the protagonist; Ben and Helen, talented young individuals in dire circumstances; and Peter Exeley, Leith's friend, who is fumbling towards his own future.

Shirley Hazzard's work is frequently likened to that of Henry James, and for good reason. She possesses that sharp observation of human personalities and interactions that can uncover subtle, precise truths. Her prose style is entirely her own - she is that rare, truly original voice - and is profoundly beautiful and evocative. (I should perhaps mention here that I have a particular fondness for elliptical prose, for sentences that require rereading to be understood.)

However, I do have a few reservations about the novel. A minor one is that Hazzard's dialogue sometimes blends indistinguishably with her prose. I also believe that the novel could be more structurally deft. The parallel story of Peter Exeley is crucial to Hazzard's theme but is handled clumsily, appearing either too expansive or too diminutive for the book. My final objection is not technical but philosophical: the conclusion of the novel attributes more nobility to passionate love than I am inclined to do. Nevertheless, the fact that Hazzard was reportedly deeply dedicated to her husband for the thirty-one years before she was widowed earns my forgiveness.

I found this book to be a rather challenging one to commence. At first, it seemed to be a bit of a struggle to get into. However, as I delved deeper, I was gradually drawn in by the captivating language, the complex colonial condition, and the profound thoughts of the characters. It truly pushed me to question those deep-seated things within myself.

The second half of the book proved to be much more engaging for me. There were several moments that completely halted my reading in its tracks. One such instance was Rita Xavier's comment to Peter Exley: " 'I have no need to condescend to Jeronymo da Silve.' 'You mean that I do. That I do condescend.' 'You intend to be kind. But just—so far.' Small delicate chopping gesture. Hands reclasped." That entire setup, with Exley's realization, really resonated with me. It touched on my own behavior in the present day. Although we are not in a post-colonial situation per se, class and economic differences still persist, and I often encounter these actions of "undemanding humanity."

The overall effect of the book was to transport me into the expatriate conditions of Asia. The writing was truly beautiful, especially when I took the time to linger and focus on it, rather than simply following the action. Since I have lived as an expatriate, spent extended periods in Asia, and experienced the discomfort of mixed races, British colonies, and being a British visitor, I couldn't help but wonder how much of my reading experience was influenced by my own personal experiences that I brought to bear on the text.

Overall, the contemplative nature of Hazzard's writing enhanced the drama (both the quiet moments and the aftermath of violence) and the horror of some of the individuals' stories. It was almost as if I was in a state of disbelief.

The love story, which lies at the center of this novel, engaged me the least. My interests were more focused on the displaced persons and their "coping" mechanisms. Leith and Helen had found their own method – their love – but perhaps, even though it was challenged by distance and her parents, among other things, it still remained the least interesting aspect for me. It couldn't serve as a suggestion of "how" to cope with displacement or alienation, even for someone like me.

Oh yes, and I mustn't forget to mention the absolutely gorgeous book cover design. It really added to the overall appeal of the book.

The time frame of this historical novel is set between 1947 and 1948, mainly taking place in East Asia, shortly after the conclusion of World War II.

Ms. Hazzard masterfully depicts a panorama of a war-torn world through her eloquent prose and with remarkable descriptive clarity.

The protagonist at the core of the story is Aldred Leith, an Englishman who has come to document the physical destruction caused by the war, especially in Hiroshima. He discovers not only the physical devastation but also the profound psychological trauma endured by the proud Japanese people.

Over time, he falls in love with a young girl living in occupied Japan who is taking care of her physically disabled brother.

Employing parallel narratives, we are introduced to Aldred's Australian friend Peter Exley, who is investigating Japanese war crimes in Hong Kong. Exley is confronted with a life-changing decision regarding what to do with the remainder of his life.

I was deeply emotionally engaged by this novel and simply couldn't put it down. Many of the feelings of sadness and inner turmoil experienced by the rescuers and heroes can be related to our world's present situation. A quote from the book, "the Chinese maxim whereby one becomes responsible for the life one saves," surely applies to our circumstances in Iraq.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

(read in 2003)

Sooooooooo boring.

I really don't give a fuck about the sweeping romance.

Yes, it may have beautiful prose, but that's not enough to hold my interest.

The story seems to lack depth and substance.

It's just a typical love story that I've seen a million times before.

The characters are not very well-developed, and I can't seem to connect with them on any level.

I find myself constantly skimming through the pages, hoping for something more exciting to happen.

But alas, it never does.

The whole thing is just one big snooze fest.

I'm seriously considering giving up on this book and moving on to something else.

Maybe there's a more interesting story out there waiting for me to discover.

Until then, I'll just have to endure this boredom.

Initially, I was of the mind not to carry on reading this book due to what I perceived as a sluggish pace.

Many of my Goodreads friends, whose viewpoints I frequently concur with, had lauded this work, so I doggedly persevered.

Fortunately, I did so because I uncovered that Hazzard has penned a captivating, intricate novel. Her prose is not only elegant but also vivid and passionate.

The "Great Fire" in the title alludes to the conflagration that was World War II, which left the world gasping and convulsing in its aftermath.

The story unfolds in the post-war years, predominantly in Asia, yet it extends through Europe and Australia as well. The anguish, the ravaged humanity, and the blighted land surrounding them were depicted with meticulous clarity.

Despite my initial impression of a plodding start, the narrative gradually gained intensity, instilling a growing sense of suspense that reached its zenith in the conclusion.

I have refrained from attempting to describe the plot of this book because Hazzard has related her story far better than I ever could. It would be far more beneficial if you, the reader, would endure that slow beginning and discover for yourself what has evolved into a remarkable book!

Read this for the exquisite writing.

The sweeping romance it offers is truly captivating.

It evokes another time, one that is especially consequential, and far-off places that are intentionally exoticized.

However, you’ll need to suspend your judgement regarding certain aspects of the story.

The story unfolds ever so slowly, and the characters are mostly one-dimensional.

No one is writing novels like this anymore, whether it’s for better or for worse.

It seems much more like a novel from the mid-twentieth century rather than the year 2003 when it was actually published.

But at the sentence and paragraph level, it is absolutely first-rate.

If you have a penchant for a passionate (yet chaste) love story, complete with plenty of built-in drama, then this novel may very well be for you.

It has its flaws, but its strengths in the realm of writing make it a worthy read for those who appreciate the beauty of language and a classic love story.

Absolutely marvelous!

The plot is captivating, the characters are vividly drawn, and the evocation of the time period is simply outstanding. The sense of hopelessness gradually turning into hope is a powerful theme that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Most of all, the prose is truly breathtaking. The sentences are so gorgeous and beautifully crafted that they seem to dance off the page. This was my first introduction to Hazzard's work, and I was completely astounded.

Few authors have the ability to use language in such a forward-moving and breathless way, creating a magical reading experience.

And I was not expecting such a powerful love story to emerge from the desolation of post-war Japan. It is a testament to Hazzard's skill as a writer that she can bring such a story to life.

She has now moved to the very top position of my favorite authors, right up there with Patrick White, Elizabeth Bowen, Paul Bowles, Vladimir Nabakov, Edith Wharton, Willa Cather, and Elizabeth Taylor (not the actress).

I had the overwhelming desire to start the book over again from the beginning, but then her book of short stories arrived, and I just had to dive in.

This is truly one of the greatest novels I've ever read.