The Burning Side - an emotional story of the destruction of a marriage and a home.

Leo and April Torres have been married for nine years. On the same evening Leo tells April he wants a divorce, an accidental fire erupts and destroys their house. Although the couple and their two children, Sadie and Otto, make it out safely, their lives also go up in flames. They temporarily move in with April's parents, Deb and Billy Russo. Told from the perspectives of April, Leo and Deb, in present day and flashbacks, their stories unfold. While April grew up in a loving home with two siblings, Leo had a tragic history of abandonment. And Deb's life has been shaken to the core after Billy's Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Over the course of one summer, important decisions have to be made. Just as Leo and April need to decide to rebuild their house or demolish it, they need to determine if their marriage can be saved despite the damage. Meanwhile, Deb must consider whether moving to a community with memory care resources is the best option as Billy's health declines. 

Written in gorgeous prose by Sarah Damoff, The Burning Side is an emotional journey. The characters are well-developed, especially the four main ones. The story addresses the pressures of marriage, motherhood, and caring for aging parents, all with authenticity. So, grab a box of tissues and get ready to cry your eyes out. If stories about life, filled with joy and heartbreak, appeal to you, make sure to read this one. It's been a while since a book touched me so deeply.

Many thanks to Simon Books for the advance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Literary Fiction.

Publication Date: May 19, 2026.

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