(Reviewed by Ishita RC)
The truth is revealed in this detailed account regarding the devastating fire at 130 Liberty Street, Manhattan’s Deutsche Bank, located in the heart of the financial sector, a short distance from what was the World Trade Center. Two firefighters were killed, and 105 were injured. One of the firefighters who died was the son of the author.
Graffagnino refused to believe the polished report provided by the high-level decision makers. After eight years of relentless research, the truth was finally revealed.
“It was the defining event in my 20 year career. It completely changed my view of my job. It completely changed my view of government. It completely changed my attitude about how to handle the risks on this job. I was determined from that point forward to teach everyone I could that we have to look out for ourselves. It is naive to rely in the other agencies. ”– Captain Simon Ressner
Such a simple and heartfelt sentiment expressed by one of the firefighters in the scene; but every word echoes the sentiment: This was no accident. The book can be considered as a tribute to unvarnished truth; there is no conspiracy theory or undocumented rumour. This is a journey taken by a grieving author to find out the truth. The narration style has a frankness that will grip the attention until you finish the book. There is nothing about climax or anticlimax; it is simply a representation of what it is: The truth.
“This fire was different than any other fire in that when we go in to fight the fire, we go in a floor below the fire because fire travels up. This was the first time I ever heard of that the fire and smoke came down. – Lieutenant Gary Iorio”
Every interview, every nuance that was captured puts light to the harshness of bureaucracy and the calculations and complex politics that underscores the system. The simplicity in which the author has brought limelight to the underlying corruption will definitely tug the heartstrings of the readers to such an extent that even you feel like joining the petition to honor the memories of the firefighters who lost their lives and those who were injured because of the criminal act that was conducted.
My opinion: Fantastic. Much recommended.
