American Fire

American FireExperience the gripping tale of small town America in 'American Fire,' a captivating exploration of love, desperation, and destruction. This compelling narrative delves into the harrowing arson spree that struck Accomack County, Virginia, during a chilling winter, revealing how a seemingly idyllic community became engulfed in flames. A blend of investigative journalism and human emotion, the story unfolds as Washington Post reporter Monica Hesse

Experience the gripping tale of small-town America in 'American Fire,' a captivating exploration of love, desperation, and destruction. This compelling narrative delves into the harrowing arson spree that struck Accomack County, Virginia, during a chilling winter, revealing how a seemingly idyllic community became engulfed in flames. A blend of investigative journalism and human emotion, the story unfolds as Washington Post reporter Monica Hesse investigates the motivations behind Charlie Smith's astonishing confession to sixty-seven counts of arson. As each page reveals the shocking connection between Charlie and his girlfriend Tonya Bundick, readers are drawn into a world where passion ignites chaos. 'American Fire' not only recounts the events of a dark chapter in rural America but also serves as a poignant commentary on the socioeconomic shifts that transformed Accomack from once being the richest rural county in the nation to a shadow of its former self. With 288 pages of engaging storytelling and in-depth analysis, this book is essential for true crime enthusiasts, fans of investigative journalism, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human relationships in times of crisis. Perfect for book clubs and personal libraries alike, this BRAND NEW edition with ISBN 9781631490514 is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of modern America. Free shipping is available for this item, and please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Note that once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781631490514
Year: 2017
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 288


Description:


The arsons started on a cold November midnight and didn't stop for months. Night after night, the people of Accomack County waited to see which building would burn down next, regarding each other at first with compassion, and later suspicion. Vigilante groups sprang up, patrolling the rural Virginia coast with cameras and camouflage. Volunteer firefighters slept at their stations. The arsonist seemed to target abandoned buildings, but local police were stretched too thin to surveil them all. Accomack was desolate”there were hundreds of abandoned buildings. And by the dozen they were burning.


The culprit, and the path that led to these crimes, is a story of twenty-first century America. Washington Post reporter Monica Hesse first drove down to the reeling county to cover a hearing for Charlie Smith, a struggling mechanic who upon his capture had promptly pleaded guilty to sixty-seven counts of arson. But as Charlie's confession unspooled, it got deeper and weirder. He wasn't lighting fires alone; his crimes were galvanized by a surprising love story. Over a year of investigating, Hesse uncovered the motives of Charlie and his accomplice, girlfriend Tonya Bundick, a woman of steel-like strength and an inscrutable past. Theirs was a love built on impossibly tight budgets and simple pleasures. They were each other's inspiration and escape...until they weren't.


Though it's hard to believe today, one hundred years ago Accomack was the richest rural county in the nation. Slowly it's been drained of its industry”agriculture”as well as its wealth and population. In an already remote region, limited employment options o