FLESH AND BLOOD SO CHEAP: THE TRIANGLE FIRE AND ITS LEGACY

In 1911, 164 people (mostly women) perished in New York's Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where clothing was manufactured. Marrin graphically describes the immigrant experience of these workers—from the horrific ship crossings to the harsh living and working conditions. Narrator John Mayer brings to life the brave and fascinating women who protested the dangerous and unfair conditions in the factories, as well as the owners and city officials who turned a blind eye to illegal practices. The victims, predominantly Russian Jews and Italian Catholics, become real to listeners. Most moving is the description of the 400,000 people who lined the streets for the six-hour funeral procession. Marrin warns us not to repeat history, here or abroad, with our thirst for cheap goods. An excellent lesson for kids AND adults. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2012]