A novel focuses on 9/11 and a group of fictional firefighters.

Through Napolitano’s characters, readers learn about the New York City Fire Department and the many individuals it takes to create a functioning firefighting team. The audience gets a glimpse into the characters’ lives; why they chose to be firefighters; and their family dynamics and interpersonal relationships as well as the trust-building that occurs among the warriors on duty. In short, readers are reminded of the firefighters’ humanity and the loss that their friends and families experienced when they entered the World Trade Center on 9/11. By sprinkling intriguing details about the firefighters throughout the moving novel (Patrick Boyle’s romance with Lauren Moore; Phil Coletti and his dad’s relationship), the author paints a vivid picture of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by the FDNY. Napolitano was a volunteer member of the fire department on 9/11. He deftly captures the feelings of panic and fear as well as the firefighters’ acceptance of their fate and unwillingness to stop helping civilians in the face of danger. In a particularly powerful moment, the author includes the prayer of general absolution that a priest intones aloud as the firefighters are gearing up to head to the twin towers. Although it seems like a minor detail in the grand scheme of tragic events, the episode evokes a deep sadness because readers will imagine that the firefighters know the immense perils that lie ahead. Napolitano does a good job of setting the stage for readers who are not privy to firefighter slang and culture by including a glossary and a character map depicting the levels of command and organizational structure. In addition, he skillfully portrays the range of personalities that exist in a station. For example, the members of 14 Truck include Harry Sturgis (the rookie), Jim “Wart” Mangold (the veteran worrywart), and Bryan O’Rorke (the experienced firefighter who consistently displays courage).

An engrossing tale that serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost on 9/11.