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1777 - Danbury on Fire!
Young Joe Hamilton dashes from dinner to disaster after the British invade his small CT town. Joe's multiple good deeds don't hide the fact that he ran home like a scared rabbit when the chips were down. After the British retreat from tiny Danbury, Joe is home again. But shapes of enemies and friends have shifted. Home is now the most dangerous place Joe Hamilton can be!
- GenresFiction
236 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2018
About the author
M.H.B. Hughes
1 book3 followersProud of her relationship to many of her books characters, author Millicent Hughes swears she fell in love with the real-life Lambert Lockwood. A mover and shaker of the retail world in post Revolution CT, Lockwood seems an admirable lover of books, having started a library in his Bridgeport hardware store that blossomed into a bookstore and then a publishing company.
Hughes felt deeply for such unknown heroes who were only doing their jobs during the strange days of 1777, when the war had almost slipped into apathy until a fire began in a small CT town.
Hughes felt deeply for such unknown heroes who were only doing their jobs during the strange days of 1777, when the war had almost slipped into apathy until a fire began in a small CT town.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 8, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is unique because technically it's historical fiction, but only two characters. were, in fact, fiction. The two characters were the narrator, which allowed us a view into the tension between Patriots and loyalists in the Danville Connecticut area.
I learned a lot about reveolutionary impact on local communities, especially when I discovered how many Connecticut Farmers chose to be neutral and therefore wound up as enemies of both sides.
The reason for neutrality was they viewed the British as allies because the British came to their aid in the French and Indian War, just a decade or so earlust
Additionally, you learn when reading this book about the value of horses, farm animals and commerce.
Completely satisfying book. I recommend to all.
I learned a lot about reveolutionary impact on local communities, especially when I discovered how many Connecticut Farmers chose to be neutral and therefore wound up as enemies of both sides.
The reason for neutrality was they viewed the British as allies because the British came to their aid in the French and Indian War, just a decade or so earlust
Additionally, you learn when reading this book about the value of horses, farm animals and commerce.
Completely satisfying book. I recommend to all.
January 8, 2019
Danbury on Fire 1777 is a young adult book which should be read at any age. My prejudice against YA historical fiction evaporated when I read this book. It is neither trite nor superficial and cannot be easily dismissed by my ignorance. This is because Danbury taught me so much about its time and about myself.
The action revolves around what would otherwise be a very minor incident during the Revolutionary War. But there was nothing minor about the experiences of the people caught up in this terrible situation. The people of this book grow and expand as the action progresses. It is not a black and white book, where the British are despicable and the Americans are all virtuous. It is so much more subtle in the way we come to understand the motives and the actions of the characters.
Retelling the story or introducing the characters would be a great spoiler because the book is so complete in itself that we have to experience it all for ourselves. This is extraordinary writing which allows us to meet the people of the past in our present lives.
Millicent Hughes is a master of narrative pace. The story itself takes us on a journey where the pages turn themselves. She grips her readers as if she is holding the reins of the narrative in and experienced, sure, and delightful grip. So, sit back, open the covers and let the story start at a walk, move into a trot, and lead you over the jumps to the end at a gallop.
The action revolves around what would otherwise be a very minor incident during the Revolutionary War. But there was nothing minor about the experiences of the people caught up in this terrible situation. The people of this book grow and expand as the action progresses. It is not a black and white book, where the British are despicable and the Americans are all virtuous. It is so much more subtle in the way we come to understand the motives and the actions of the characters.
Retelling the story or introducing the characters would be a great spoiler because the book is so complete in itself that we have to experience it all for ourselves. This is extraordinary writing which allows us to meet the people of the past in our present lives.
Millicent Hughes is a master of narrative pace. The story itself takes us on a journey where the pages turn themselves. She grips her readers as if she is holding the reins of the narrative in and experienced, sure, and delightful grip. So, sit back, open the covers and let the story start at a walk, move into a trot, and lead you over the jumps to the end at a gallop.
January 1, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Over the summer I attended a living history event and was able to meet the author. After a brief discussion I decided to purchase her book and I'm glad I did.
This is historical fiction, it's told from the view point of a fictional 13 year old boy. But there are only two characters in the book that did not exist and the events described actually happened. The British burning of Danbury, the local Committees that were formed by rebels, the tension between patriots (rebels) and loyalists.
The book was an easy read that described events in detail and feelings thoroughly from a 13 year old boys view point. I enjoyed the writing style of the author and the flow of the book. It would be good for teenagers as well as adults. It's full of information on the historical event, complete with notations of actual writings of the time. When the book ended I wanted to read more, what happened next to our character? His father? His grandfather? His rebel friend and his cute neighbor girl that he was crushing on. How did his new horse and job work out? Where did the British move on too? Did the rebels follow? I sincerely hope there is a sequel to this book, I enjoyed it that much.
This is historical fiction, it's told from the view point of a fictional 13 year old boy. But there are only two characters in the book that did not exist and the events described actually happened. The British burning of Danbury, the local Committees that were formed by rebels, the tension between patriots (rebels) and loyalists.
The book was an easy read that described events in detail and feelings thoroughly from a 13 year old boys view point. I enjoyed the writing style of the author and the flow of the book. It would be good for teenagers as well as adults. It's full of information on the historical event, complete with notations of actual writings of the time. When the book ended I wanted to read more, what happened next to our character? His father? His grandfather? His rebel friend and his cute neighbor girl that he was crushing on. How did his new horse and job work out? Where did the British move on too? Did the rebels follow? I sincerely hope there is a sequel to this book, I enjoyed it that much.
November 30, 2018
I just finished reading "1777 -Danbury on Fire!" and enjoyed it very much. The interaction of a variety of people in a community with differing political views and personal interests at stake, told through the eyes of someone not usually thought of as "in the room" was captivating!
July 1, 2026
1777 – Danbury on Fire! by M.H.B. Hughes is a compelling historical novel that vividly captures the uncertainty, danger, and courage of the American Revolutionary War through the eyes of an ordinary young man. Combining fast-paced adventure with emotional depth, the novel offers an engaging perspective on how war transforms both individuals and the communities they call home.
Joe Hamilton is an immensely relatable protagonist whose journey is as much about personal growth as it is about survival. His moments of fear, courage, self-doubt, and determination make him feel authentic, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeply human level. Rather than portraying heroism as effortless, the story explores the difficult choices people must make when confronted with extraordinary circumstances.
The historical setting is one of the book's greatest strengths. M.H.B. Hughes recreates the British raid on Danbury with impressive attention to detail, immersing readers in the chaos, uncertainty, and emotional toll of a community caught in the conflict. The historical backdrop feels authentic while remaining accessible, making the novel both educational and highly entertaining.
What truly elevates the story is its exploration of trust, loyalty, and the changing nature of relationships during wartime. As Joe discovers that familiar faces may no longer be what they seem, the novel becomes an engaging blend of historical adventure, suspense, and coming-of-age storytelling.
Beautifully paced and filled with memorable moments, 1777 – Danbury on Fire! is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys Revolutionary War fiction, historical adventures, and character-driven stories about resilience, bravery, and finding one's place during turbulent times.
Joe Hamilton is an immensely relatable protagonist whose journey is as much about personal growth as it is about survival. His moments of fear, courage, self-doubt, and determination make him feel authentic, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeply human level. Rather than portraying heroism as effortless, the story explores the difficult choices people must make when confronted with extraordinary circumstances.
The historical setting is one of the book's greatest strengths. M.H.B. Hughes recreates the British raid on Danbury with impressive attention to detail, immersing readers in the chaos, uncertainty, and emotional toll of a community caught in the conflict. The historical backdrop feels authentic while remaining accessible, making the novel both educational and highly entertaining.
What truly elevates the story is its exploration of trust, loyalty, and the changing nature of relationships during wartime. As Joe discovers that familiar faces may no longer be what they seem, the novel becomes an engaging blend of historical adventure, suspense, and coming-of-age storytelling.
Beautifully paced and filled with memorable moments, 1777 – Danbury on Fire! is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys Revolutionary War fiction, historical adventures, and character-driven stories about resilience, bravery, and finding one's place during turbulent times.
November 20, 2025
1777 Danbury on Fire! is a surprisingly emotional coming-of-age story set against the chaos of war. Joe Hamilton feels like a real kid, brave in some moments, scared in others, trying to do the right thing but not always sure if he measures up. That honesty made me connect with him right away.
The book captures the fear, confusion, and quick-changing loyalties of a small town under attack, and I loved how the author blended real history with Joe’s personal struggle. His guilt, his courage, and the shifting sense of who he can trust give the story a lot of depth.
It’s fast-paced, tense, and surprisingly touching a great read for anyone who likes historical fiction with heart.
The book captures the fear, confusion, and quick-changing loyalties of a small town under attack, and I loved how the author blended real history with Joe’s personal struggle. His guilt, his courage, and the shifting sense of who he can trust give the story a lot of depth.
It’s fast-paced, tense, and surprisingly touching a great read for anyone who likes historical fiction with heart.
April 2, 2023
Probably 3.5 stars. It is written from the point of view of an imaginary thirteen year old. I think it gives a good depiction of the revolutionary war seem by normal people in a small town, with all the tensions and rivalry, but I did not care for the style of the writing. I did not like the ending as well.
March 30, 2020
I love the history and love finding out how I'm related to these people!
September 19, 2020
This did not disappoint
I am a huge fan of history and historical fiction is my favorite Genre. This book was a great retelling of a story in an evolving nation.
I am a huge fan of history and historical fiction is my favorite Genre. This book was a great retelling of a story in an evolving nation.
December 29, 2019
I was not really sure I'd like this book but the more I read, the more I liked it. I think it gave an honest approach to war at the time and sort of told both sides story. It was amazing to think that people were lucky they raised animals or they would have starved. No clothes and no food seems to be the story if war is in your own country, so I hope it never happens here. I think you would enjoy reading this book and seeing how they approached things between the colony's and Britain. Give it a try, I think you will be pleasantly surprise that you like it so much.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews