Customer Reviews

The Color of Fire

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"Why does any group of people hate another, Phoebe? Because they misjudge the ones they hate. Because they really don't know them."

Author Ann Rinaldi has been writing historical fiction for over three decades and has gained quite a reputation for doing so. Her books have received their fair share of accolades, including the American Library Association Best Book of the Year Award (eight of her books have been awarded this honor), and have been used as part of the curriculum in countless schools and libraries nationwide. Her latest book, titled THE COLOR OF FIRE, is yet another strong addition to the bunch --- a fictional account based on the Great Negro Plot of 1741 in New York City when America was still a colony of Great Britain and at war with Spain.

The story opens just as a fire is beginning to catch in Master Philipse's warehouse, and Phoebe, Master Philipse's black servant and the eyes and ears of the book, is attempting to decipher who started it. As the days go on and more fires are mysteriously started, the townsfolk become increasingly suspicious and suspect that the slaves not only are responsible for the wreckage but that they also are planning a murderous revolt against their masters. A manhunt ensues, and as you might expect, blacks are pitted against whites, fingers are pointed, and blame gets handed down without a lick of fairness or in-depth investigation on the part of the authorities.

In the end, Phoebe's best friend Cuffee, also a servant to Master Philipse, is charged, put to trial, found guilty, and consequently burned at the stake. Fifteen or so other slaves are named (some by their already convicted friends) and executed, as well as two whites who were believed to be in on the scheme. The overall atmosphere in the town, despite the incessant executions, is not one of vindication and justice, but one of nagging fear and chaos, where no one trusts anyone and every man is out for himself.

As with many of her other books, Rinaldi leaves ample room for interpretation. She doesn't actually say whether the accused were proven guilty, or whether they actually committed the deeds --- as in history. What she does dwell on, however, is the moral implications of each character's actions (especially Phoebe's) and the pains they go through when contemplating their next step.

Although some readers may feel that it reads more like a book for history class rather than one to be poured through for pleasure, THE COLOR OF FIRE is an engaging story that is perfect for learning and sparking discussions about making choices and standing up for one's beliefs despite the consequences.

--- Reviewed by Alexis Burling

Contrary to the previous reviewers belief, I enjoyed this book much more than I have any other Ann Rinaldi books.

Mainly this is a response to the young lady who felt this novel was terrible. First of all honey, learn to spell! It's character not charictor. Second of all, Ann Rinaldi is a fabulous author who has proven herself over and over again. This book portrays very real historical issues. Just because Mrs. Rinaldi writes about history does not mean that the content should be la di da and easy to digest. Our country's history is about war, death, and destruction in the hopes of a better world. Ann Rinaldi does that in this novel even though it's more graphic there is much value in the story she portrays.

"The Color of Fire" is about a time in history I didn't even know existed. Leave it to Ann Rinaldi to expose her readers to it. With the title of this book, I thought she wrote another book about The Salem Witch Trials. I had no idea black people were burned alive for supposedly burning buildings. The story itself was very interesting, and I think Rinaldi did a very good job with hooking the reader in and having them feel the anguish and pain Phoebe felt. My major complaints are the lack of an epilogue and a historical note better explaining this unnoticed time in history. I "sorta" recommend.

This was absolutly dreadful. Ann Rinaldi has never written a book so awful in my opinion. I waited three months on this book and spent $11 on it to find it a dreadful mess. Even Rinaldi's worst books have had some historical reward for the waste of time like the Coffin Quilt, but I got nothing from it. And not to mention the charictors. Even her charictor Sarah in Sarah on Her Own was more believable. Phoebe gave nothing to the story, she was a spoiled brat of a girl. but don't let this turn you away from her other books like In My Father's House or Hang a Thousand Trees With Ribbons. Most her books are enlightening and worth the read.