September of 1894 was a hot and dry time in and around Hinckley, Minnesota. The weather conditions were tragically perfect for the events that would define the community for generations to come.
In Kristina Shuey's debut novel, The Day the World Burned, historical details are coupled with two fictional protagonists, Anna and Karl, who - even before the fire begins - grapple with drama. "They're kind of in that wonderful place between childhood and adulthood, so the story kind of starts off introducing what life was like in 1894, and what it was like to be a teenager," says Shuey.
Prior to writing the book, Shuey wasn't thoroughly versed on The Great Hinckley Fire. In preparation, the author took trips to Hinckley and visited museums. "I knew I wanted to write about Anna surviving a fire disaster in the 19th century, and I enjoy research," says Shuey. "I spent about two years researching the fire before I felt confident enough to start writing about it."
The Day the World Burned is a 2025 Northeastern Minnesota Honorable Mention Book, and can be found at Fitger's and Zenith Bookstore in Duluth as well as in Moose Lake at The Lakehaus Gifts and Goods.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
