A review by barberchicago_books
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Such an interesting read, about two neighboring families whose lives intersect throughout the characters’ lives. The story begins with Theo & Sarah and a horrific experience that affects them for the rest of their lives. There is hurt, secrecy, and ultimately healing as the family learns to communicate. I loved the singular determination of Waldo, who chooses to be exactly who he is, in spite of the misguidedness & misunderstandings of his father. The relationship between fathers and their kids was something I was drawn to, as that’s usually not fleshed out in literary fiction.