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Out Of Reach: The Day Hartford Hospital Burned
In December 1961 a flash fire rages through the modern, pristine Hartford Hospital, stoked by a limitless supply of fuel and a ravenous appetite. In the heart-pounding minutes that follow, a fireball virtually incinerates the unreachable ninth floor of the hospital leaving behind a charcoal tomb of terror, sadness and death. But the fire monster is deprived of ultimately satisfying its voracious hunger to devour the entire hospital — and all in it —by city firefighters who improbably snatch victims from its fiery jaws through unthinkable acts of bravery and determination in one of the greatest “stops” in firefighting history. When the smoke finally clears, only a nightmare is left where the flames had been, a lurid dream that an entire city will never forget, a tragedy that will haunt 16 families and traumatize even the most hardened, veteran firefighters, police, doctors and nurses forever. But in the whispering winds that howl through the smashed windows and blackened corridors of the hospital, a question was this the result of a careless smoker — or an insane act of vengeance?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 11, 2016
"Flaming tiles and globs of (the) adhesive rained down upon gleaming, freshly waxed and highly flammable linoleum floors that exploded into flames and raced to the wainscoting..." "...the fire monster was unleashed and ravenous...devouring every centimeter of flammable material in the hallway, creating a virtual tunnel of fire."
Now, I freely confess to being overly dependent on pictures...give me some special effects, virtual reality, whatever else the visual media offers, and I'm entertained. But with writing like Mark Granato's in "Out of Reach", who needs a picture? Granato reminded me that skillful writing can bring forth the kind of powerful images and elicit a range of emotions found only in a good book.
This is Granato's retelling of a tragedy. In 1961, a fire did, indeed, race through Hartford Hospital burning a path of destruction and death that is remembered still. And while Granato's account is labeled 'historical fiction', it is clear that the author spent much time in research. Granato's attention to detail is obvious... From the layout of Hartford Hospital, to the city itself in 1961. He must have spent months learning the nature of fire, for he has passed on to his readers an eerie personification of 'the beast.' . The author shares, too, his knowledge of firefighting procedures, terms and equipment in detail but without losing the civilian.
Most moving, however, is his loving and respectful treatment of the real-life firefighters on the scene. Their stories, with true accounts of family life and the men's dedication to their jobs, bring the heart of this remarkable book to life.
Horrific, nerve-racking and deeply touching, "Out of Reach: The Day Hartford Hospital Burned" is highly recommended. It is a story of heroes, victims, survivors and the best written villain in recent memory-- 'the fire monster'.
Now, I freely confess to being overly dependent on pictures...give me some special effects, virtual reality, whatever else the visual media offers, and I'm entertained. But with writing like Mark Granato's in "Out of Reach", who needs a picture? Granato reminded me that skillful writing can bring forth the kind of powerful images and elicit a range of emotions found only in a good book.
This is Granato's retelling of a tragedy. In 1961, a fire did, indeed, race through Hartford Hospital burning a path of destruction and death that is remembered still. And while Granato's account is labeled 'historical fiction', it is clear that the author spent much time in research. Granato's attention to detail is obvious... From the layout of Hartford Hospital, to the city itself in 1961. He must have spent months learning the nature of fire, for he has passed on to his readers an eerie personification of 'the beast.' . The author shares, too, his knowledge of firefighting procedures, terms and equipment in detail but without losing the civilian.
Most moving, however, is his loving and respectful treatment of the real-life firefighters on the scene. Their stories, with true accounts of family life and the men's dedication to their jobs, bring the heart of this remarkable book to life.
Horrific, nerve-racking and deeply touching, "Out of Reach: The Day Hartford Hospital Burned" is highly recommended. It is a story of heroes, victims, survivors and the best written villain in recent memory-- 'the fire monster'.
February 1, 2015
Excellent book.
July 16, 2018
Excellent read!
October 31, 2021
What a fantastic book. Took a significant event that happened here in our area and mixed the facts well with some drama. Story hits very close to home (in other ways) and I found it very riveting.
December 20, 2015
Overly flowery and over dramatic prose took away from the source material.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews