How to Start A Fire Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on May 12, 2015 Pages: 352
Format: ARC
Anna, Kate, and Georgiana (George) met twenty years ago as UC Santa Cruz students. Over the last two decades, their shared more than their due of adventures and tragedies. Their friendships ebbed and waned, yet their bond forged a connection with the strength of a spider's web. Three woman couldn't be any more different: Anna led the group with a determination to forget about the demons that haunt her; Kate was the level-headed one of the group, always the one to provide sound (and responsible) advice; and George, the woman with the most potential yet unable to break the bonds of her addictions to drugs, alcohol, and bad men.
One incident, and the truths that surrounded, it compelled this unlikely trio of women to forge an unbreakable bond.
With alternating time periods and points of view, this novel had the potential of being absolutely disorganized and confusing. Yet Lutz’s sheer talent in creating completely unique, slightly outrageous, characters who stood out as three incredibly and completely unique individuals. Though they aged, the very core of their being remained static, an essence of their true character that was distinguishable despite voice or time period. The reader is granted the opportunity to weave through the non-linear narration and piece together the instances and events that drove the relationship of these three women.
A completely moving novel How to Start a Fire provokes the reader to examine what makes up friendships and relationships, what brings us all together or tears us apart. Though deep in tone at points, Lutz’s characteristic humor and wit adds levity. A truly profound read completely unlike anything else she has written, this novel is clear evidence that Lutz’s talent knows no boundaries. This is a title readers will adore, connect with, and want to share with their friends. It a novel rich with characters that readers from all backgrounds can connect, and empathize, with.
And the title! I became obsessed with discovering the meaning behind the title. It has one that becomes more obvious as the novel progresses, but I’m actually quite fond of the the one I connected with: these three women, as close as family, knew each other so well that they knew what buttons to press. They knew how (and when) to start a fire, but also when it needed to be allowed to burn rather than being extinguished.
A truly contemplative novel that I will shout about from the rooftops. Truly brilliant and talented story writing by one of my very favorite writers. Highly, highly recommended.
