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Fire in Boston's Cocoanut Grove
First published in November 1959, this is the bestselling account of the fire at The Cocoanut Grove, a premier nightclub during the post-Prohibition 1930s and 1940s in Boston, Massachusetts, on the night of November 28, 1942.
It was the scene of the deadliest nightclub fire in history, killing 492 people and injuring hundreds more. The scale of the tragedy shocked the nation and briefly replaced the events of World War II in newspaper headlines. It led to a reform of safety standards and codes across the U.S., and to major changes in the treatment and rehabilitation of burn victims internationally.
Written by radio broadcaster and Boston Globe journalist, Paul Benzaquin, this book is widely regarded as one of the most harrowing tales in the annals of a story of panic and desperation, of chaos and utter fear, it is also a story of almost incredible courage and ingenuity in the midst of despair.
What gives this story lasting value is its emphasis on the aftermath of the the medical innovations wrought by hospital workers in their attempt to save lives; the change in safety regulations brought about by the official enquiry in to the causes of the fire.
Paul Benzaquin has scrupulously sifted facts from fancy and with powerful dramatic force molded these and other important elements into a stunning narrative, making Holocaust! a powerful book.
Unmissable reading.
Contains a detailed layout plan of The Cocanut Grove illustrated with over 20 black-and-white photographs.
It was the scene of the deadliest nightclub fire in history, killing 492 people and injuring hundreds more. The scale of the tragedy shocked the nation and briefly replaced the events of World War II in newspaper headlines. It led to a reform of safety standards and codes across the U.S., and to major changes in the treatment and rehabilitation of burn victims internationally.
Written by radio broadcaster and Boston Globe journalist, Paul Benzaquin, this book is widely regarded as one of the most harrowing tales in the annals of a story of panic and desperation, of chaos and utter fear, it is also a story of almost incredible courage and ingenuity in the midst of despair.
What gives this story lasting value is its emphasis on the aftermath of the the medical innovations wrought by hospital workers in their attempt to save lives; the change in safety regulations brought about by the official enquiry in to the causes of the fire.
Paul Benzaquin has scrupulously sifted facts from fancy and with powerful dramatic force molded these and other important elements into a stunning narrative, making Holocaust! a powerful book.
Unmissable reading.
Contains a detailed layout plan of The Cocanut Grove illustrated with over 20 black-and-white photographs.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 18, 2016
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
Reading Stephanie Schorow’s excellent, but short, The Cocoanut Grove Fire, made me hungry for more details, so I borrowed Paul Benzaquin’s history, which is far more comprehensive. It was first published in 1959, and while the language felt dated in places, it enabled me to feel closer to an event that occurred well before I was born and helped provide more insight into life in the 1940’s.
Paul Benzaquin began his career as a journalist for the Boston Globe in 1948 and later became known as a talk radio host.
His crisp, lean writing style worked well for imparting facts from that tragic day on November 28, 1942, while the tension and energetic pacing would have worked well for an action-packed thriller.
Schorow focused more on the history of the nightclub and its owners and government corruption, while Benzaquin covered life stories and details surrounding the aftermath of the fire, including significant medical advances made in the treatment of burns.
In the center of the book there are photos of Cocoanut Grove guests, some of whom were among the dead or injured, including Western star Charles “Buck” Jones. There are harrowing photos of servicemen, firemen and volunteers who helped evacuate victims, and pictures of the building after the fire. There is a photo of Clifford Johnson, who recovered from massive burns and made medical history, only to die in a fiery car crash in 1956.
At the end of the book is an acknowledgment section outlining the author’s sources of information and the individuals and groups who contributed toward his research. He spoke with reporters, photographers, fire and police departments, government officials, medical personnel, and survivors who shared their stories.
492 people died in this fire, making it the deadliest nightclub fire in history. Because of this tragedy, laws have been made and fire codes revised to ensure the safety of people in public buildings.
This is a detailed, informative, and gripping story of the events and people involved. Very highly recommended.
Reading Stephanie Schorow’s excellent, but short, The Cocoanut Grove Fire, made me hungry for more details, so I borrowed Paul Benzaquin’s history, which is far more comprehensive. It was first published in 1959, and while the language felt dated in places, it enabled me to feel closer to an event that occurred well before I was born and helped provide more insight into life in the 1940’s.
Paul Benzaquin began his career as a journalist for the Boston Globe in 1948 and later became known as a talk radio host.
His crisp, lean writing style worked well for imparting facts from that tragic day on November 28, 1942, while the tension and energetic pacing would have worked well for an action-packed thriller.
“First came a fast-moving puff of black smoke. A rosy dart of flame shot along the ceiling fabric for ten or twelve feet. It was instantly followed by a massive ball of flame – bright, noisy, and terrifying. It seemed to burn in the air, without need of fuel. Suddenly everyone in the room was in motion, desperately seeking escape.”
Schorow focused more on the history of the nightclub and its owners and government corruption, while Benzaquin covered life stories and details surrounding the aftermath of the fire, including significant medical advances made in the treatment of burns.
In the center of the book there are photos of Cocoanut Grove guests, some of whom were among the dead or injured, including Western star Charles “Buck” Jones. There are harrowing photos of servicemen, firemen and volunteers who helped evacuate victims, and pictures of the building after the fire. There is a photo of Clifford Johnson, who recovered from massive burns and made medical history, only to die in a fiery car crash in 1956.
At the end of the book is an acknowledgment section outlining the author’s sources of information and the individuals and groups who contributed toward his research. He spoke with reporters, photographers, fire and police departments, government officials, medical personnel, and survivors who shared their stories.
492 people died in this fire, making it the deadliest nightclub fire in history. Because of this tragedy, laws have been made and fire codes revised to ensure the safety of people in public buildings.
This is a detailed, informative, and gripping story of the events and people involved. Very highly recommended.
February 18, 2022
OMG!!! This is without a doubt a must read book!!! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
January 18, 2014
Always remember my parents talking about this fire when I was young. Interesting history and a very sad story.
December 6, 2019
Holocaust For Sure !
This is an outstanding book of the sensational,but tragic fire at one of the premier dinner and dance clubs in Boston in the 1940's called the Cocanut Grove.
A night when the place was packed with many more patrons,than fire codes,would have allowed,
a terrible,fire broke out and took the lives of 492 and injured hundreds more.
Many were badly.burned and suffered horrendous disfigurement and pain,but many weren't burned at all,but died from inhaling the poison gasses,that the burning structure gave off.
This is a book that will definitely hold your interest,till the last page.
It was written by a newspaper reporter in 1959.
I read true disaster stories among other things
but had never heard about this fire in Boston,until.coming across it at our annual book.sale,here in our little town.
This is an outstanding book of the sensational,but tragic fire at one of the premier dinner and dance clubs in Boston in the 1940's called the Cocanut Grove.
A night when the place was packed with many more patrons,than fire codes,would have allowed,
a terrible,fire broke out and took the lives of 492 and injured hundreds more.
Many were badly.burned and suffered horrendous disfigurement and pain,but many weren't burned at all,but died from inhaling the poison gasses,that the burning structure gave off.
This is a book that will definitely hold your interest,till the last page.
It was written by a newspaper reporter in 1959.
I read true disaster stories among other things
but had never heard about this fire in Boston,until.coming across it at our annual book.sale,here in our little town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2022
excellent read
Well written. Obviously, well researched. A good flow of information. Well recorded with the panic of the fire, the rescue attempts, the medical services required, the criminal and court proceedings all being laid out in interesting and careful detail. Never boring, this was a great book.
Well written. Obviously, well researched. A good flow of information. Well recorded with the panic of the fire, the rescue attempts, the medical services required, the criminal and court proceedings all being laid out in interesting and careful detail. Never boring, this was a great book.
August 23, 2023
Boston coconut grove fire
Awesome book. Many facts, photos same as presented to us as kids growing up in boston. Dad was Boston Policeman. 11/28 was his birthday. Him and mom had been married just four years. Mom kept newspaper clippings. Very interesting reading, sad, realistic. My oldest sister completed her RN training at Boston city hospital and spoke of some of the same locations. Good historical read, also.
Awesome book. Many facts, photos same as presented to us as kids growing up in boston. Dad was Boston Policeman. 11/28 was his birthday. Him and mom had been married just four years. Mom kept newspaper clippings. Very interesting reading, sad, realistic. My oldest sister completed her RN training at Boston city hospital and spoke of some of the same locations. Good historical read, also.
December 30, 2024
Excellent but tragic read
I happened upon this book accidentally. I had heard mention of the Cocoanut Grove fire in the past, but never pursued the story.
I could almost visualize being there as I read this book. Very well written to keep the reader’s interest without exploiting the results of the tragedy. It has also caused me to review fire safety information as a precaution. I highly recommend this book.
I happened upon this book accidentally. I had heard mention of the Cocoanut Grove fire in the past, but never pursued the story.
I could almost visualize being there as I read this book. Very well written to keep the reader’s interest without exploiting the results of the tragedy. It has also caused me to review fire safety information as a precaution. I highly recommend this book.
November 30, 2019
Best of the Cocoanut Grove books
I have read a few books on this tragic fire. This was the best. This focused mainly on the fire itself, the victims, and the possible causes. It did not get bogged down in the history of the club or the legal ramifications afterward. Many interesting pictures and diagrams.
I have read a few books on this tragic fire. This was the best. This focused mainly on the fire itself, the victims, and the possible causes. It did not get bogged down in the history of the club or the legal ramifications afterward. Many interesting pictures and diagrams.
May 4, 2025
Very Shocking Historical Account
This was a thorough account of a really shocking tragedy. How it could happen and why it did is amazing. The fact that history repeats itself leaves me in fear of the next tragedy. There have already been similar accounts in history of nightclub tragedy’s that have happened despite the lessons learned from this one.
This was a thorough account of a really shocking tragedy. How it could happen and why it did is amazing. The fact that history repeats itself leaves me in fear of the next tragedy. There have already been similar accounts in history of nightclub tragedy’s that have happened despite the lessons learned from this one.
March 31, 2021
I just want to know: did the married couple in the Melody Lounge, Donald and Mildred Jeffers, safely reunite? It seems they both escaped after being separated, Don from the fridge and Mildred found and told to jump out a window.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2021
Vivid and Personalized
I found this book to be very vivid and obviously written nearer in time to the fire than most. I love that the author stayed with the stories about the people who were there and less focus on technical and legal aspects.
I found this book to be very vivid and obviously written nearer in time to the fire than most. I love that the author stayed with the stories about the people who were there and less focus on technical and legal aspects.
February 24, 2023
Those who forget the past....
Read this as a follow-up to a book about the Station night club fire in Rhode Island twenty years ago. Disasters always seem to result from links in a chain of minor events that, when put together, result in a catastrophe .
Read this as a follow-up to a book about the Station night club fire in Rhode Island twenty years ago. Disasters always seem to result from links in a chain of minor events that, when put together, result in a catastrophe .
May 20, 2025
Very informative
This is a very well-researched look into the Cocoanut Grove fire. The inclusion of the many personal stories from survivors, rescuers, and doctors makes for a well-informed and heart-wrenching read.
This is a very well-researched look into the Cocoanut Grove fire. The inclusion of the many personal stories from survivors, rescuers, and doctors makes for a well-informed and heart-wrenching read.
July 13, 2018
Well researched book
Excellent book written in such a way as to make you feel you knew some of the victims. God bless the victims.
Excellent book written in such a way as to make you feel you knew some of the victims. God bless the victims.
March 29, 2020
Tragic tale
Well written account. Follows the fire from its start until the last survivor goes home. How people in Boston stepped up to treat the survivors and identify the dead.
Well written account. Follows the fire from its start until the last survivor goes home. How people in Boston stepped up to treat the survivors and identify the dead.
May 26, 2020
I read this book after Fire in the Grove. I thought it was a better book as it went into more detail and the format was more chronologic. Learning about fire behavior and how people respond to fire emergencies was highlighted in how this book was told. Information that surely would help anyone who is ever faced with making the important decisions of how to stay alive in a fire emergency. Living in California I have taken interest in wild fires and have read several books on the subject. While this book was in a crowded nightclub it still taught some important lessons.
July 25, 2020
Excellent
I’ve read several books on this horrific fire and this was the best.
The horror of those that survived is treated with respect.
I’ve read several books on this horrific fire and this was the best.
The horror of those that survived is treated with respect.
August 18, 2020
Very interesting and somber. Covers multiple aspects of the fire and aftermath.
December 29, 2020
Holocaust. Coconut grove fire
VERY well written, I realize this is an older book, but it was very well researched. The feelings of the victims come thru this writing
VERY well written, I realize this is an older book, but it was very well researched. The feelings of the victims come thru this writing
August 3, 2014
I found the story to be intriguing! I had read about it while reading the fierce radiance. Having grown up north of Boston - cocoanut grove was not an unheard phrase, but never really meant too much.
To know the story from so many angles and written closer to the tragedy.. (1956)
It was an amazing read for the horror, the heroics, the information garnered from the tragedy and the knowledge of where some rules, regulations and fear come from.
To know the story from so many angles and written closer to the tragedy.. (1956)
It was an amazing read for the horror, the heroics, the information garnered from the tragedy and the knowledge of where some rules, regulations and fear come from.
July 21, 2014
Excellent recounting of Boston's tragic Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire in November of 1942 with just the right amount of emphasis on what went wrong and who was to blame. A number of touching chapters on those who survived the fire as well. Highly recommended.
Read
April 30, 2019Very interesting story about the fire which had a huge impact on fire safety rules and how to care for burn victims. Almost 500 people died because the fire spread so quickly. Now there are stricter rules about the flammability of materials used in commercial buildings, all exits must open out, etc.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews