The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 is the main event in the book although it takes place at the end of the story. It is the event that changes the lives of many, including Rose Nolan, Maureen, Nolan, Jacob Gerstein, and Mr. Garoff. It is responsible for ending the lives of 146 workers that were either trapped in the building or had jumped to their deaths from the upper floors of the Asch Building.

It is not mentioned what started the fire although it is suspicious in nature. The fire occurred on March 25, 1911. The tragedy is well documented. The author states that a documentary on the tragedy is what inspired her to write the story. At the end of the book, Auch discusses her desire to write the story after being haunted by images of the fire. It was a common misconception that the majority...