The Firebrand

The Firebrand by Susan Wiggs, published by Mira Books in 2001, is a historical fiction novel that spans 400 pages. The story follows Lucy Hathaway, who, five years after saving an orphaned infant from the Great Chicago Fire, faces a life-altering encounter with Randolph Higgins, a prominent banker in Chicago and the biological father of the child she has raised as her own.

Readers will find a narrative that explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the complexities of city life in a historical context. The book delves into the emotional and social challenges faced by Lucy as she navigates her relationship with Randolph and the implications of their past. With its focus on romance and the struggles of women in a bustling urban environment, this edition offers a rich exploration of personal and societal dynamics.