Fighting the Flames
by R.M. Ballantyne
Synopsis:
Frank Wilders is a bright, shining young star rising to distinguished heroism in the London Fire Brigade. No one is more proud of his accomplishments than his younger brother, Willie. As Frank battles the flames, Willie learns what the heart of a hero is made of. Through daring rescues, valiant hard work, plots of arson, attempted murder and winning the worthy hearts of virtuous young women, the best and worst of mid-19th century London is exposed. Fighting the Flames: A Tale of the London Fire Brigade is a masterpiece of fiction; a beautiful tapestry woven of adventure, heroism and the broad spectrum of human nature. R.M. Ballantyne expertly maneuvers his extensive and intricate cast of characters through a series of crossed paths, creating lively interplay between the wide varieties of human personalities and foibles that create the diversity of city life--all in the shadow of the great nightly battle with the flames.
My Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎
5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. This was my first Ballantyne book, and it took my heart by storm. I loved it so much. I loved seeing the brave firemen of yesterday, and all their courage and sacrifice. I loved Frank—I loved Frank. I loved Willie and Dale & the other firemen. I loved the humour. I loved the reflective writing style. I loved how clean the book was—I can think of only a mention or two of smoking and of a glass of beer. This story ended so happily and I am so eager to read more of Ballantyne’s writings!
A Favourite Quote: “... I like the vigour and energy that are called forth in the work, and I like the object of the work, which is to save life and property. Why ... it has all the danger and excitement of a soldier’s life without the bloody work, and with better ends in view.’
“‘Nay, nay, Frank,’ said the peaceful Mrs Willders, ‘you must not say “better ends,” because it is a great and glorious thing to defend one’s native land.’ ...
“‘True, mother,” rejoined Frank; ‘but I did not refer to ultimate ends, I only thought of the immediate results in connection with those engaged. The warrior fights, and, in so doing, destroys life and property. The fireman fights, and in doing so protects and preserves both.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “...and, would you believe it, that this boy’s brother-in-law—’
“‘Brother, ma’am,’ interrupted Willie.
“‘Yes, brother, actually saved my darling’s life last night, at the—the thing in Beverly Square.’
“‘What “darling’s life,” and what “thing” in Beverly Square?’ demanded Miss Deemas.
“‘What! have you not heard of the fire last night in Beverly Square—my relative, James Auberly—living there with his family—all burnt to ashes—and my sweet Loo, too? A what’s-’is-name was brought, and a brave fireman went up it, through fire and water and smoke. Young Auberly went up before him and fell—heat and suffocation—and saved her in his arms, and his name is Frank, and he’s this boy’s brother-in-law!’
“To this brief summary, given with much excitement, Miss Deemas listened with quiet composure, and then said with grim sarcasm, and very slowly: ‘Let me see; there was a fire in Beverly Square last night, and James Auberly, living there with his family, were all burned to ashes[,] and also your sweet Loo. A “what’s-his-name” having been brought, a brave fireman goes up it, and apparently never comes down again (burned to ashes also, I fancy); but young Auberly, who went up before him, and fell—heat and suffocation being the result—saved some one named “her” in his arms; his name being Frank (owing no doubt to his having been re-baptised, for ever since I knew him he has been named Frederick), and he is this boy’s brother-in-law!’”
A Favourite Quote: “... I like the vigour and energy that are called forth in the work, and I like the object of the work, which is to save life and property. Why ... it has all the danger and excitement of a soldier’s life without the bloody work, and with better ends in view.’
“‘Nay, nay, Frank,’ said the peaceful Mrs Willders, ‘you must not say “better ends,” because it is a great and glorious thing to defend one’s native land.’ ...
“‘True, mother,” rejoined Frank; ‘but I did not refer to ultimate ends, I only thought of the immediate results in connection with those engaged. The warrior fights, and, in so doing, destroys life and property. The fireman fights, and in doing so protects and preserves both.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “...and, would you believe it, that this boy’s brother-in-law—’
“‘Brother, ma’am,’ interrupted Willie.
“‘Yes, brother, actually saved my darling’s life last night, at the—the thing in Beverly Square.’
“‘What “darling’s life,” and what “thing” in Beverly Square?’ demanded Miss Deemas.
“‘What! have you not heard of the fire last night in Beverly Square—my relative, James Auberly—living there with his family—all burnt to ashes—and my sweet Loo, too? A what’s-’is-name was brought, and a brave fireman went up it, through fire and water and smoke. Young Auberly went up before him and fell—heat and suffocation—and saved her in his arms, and his name is Frank, and he’s this boy’s brother-in-law!’
“To this brief summary, given with much excitement, Miss Deemas listened with quiet composure, and then said with grim sarcasm, and very slowly: ‘Let me see; there was a fire in Beverly Square last night, and James Auberly, living there with his family, were all burned to ashes[,] and also your sweet Loo. A “what’s-his-name” having been brought, a brave fireman goes up it, and apparently never comes down again (burned to ashes also, I fancy); but young Auberly, who went up before him, and fell—heat and suffocation being the result—saved some one named “her” in his arms; his name being Frank (owing no doubt to his having been re-baptised, for ever since I knew him he has been named Frederick), and he is this boy’s brother-in-law!’”
Purchase this book:
That last quote XD
ReplyDeleteThat book is hilarious but that’s the funniest thing in it XD
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