Harry V. Keefe Library, Boston Latin School: Wolfpack Reads!

The Hidden Tragedy of the City of Boston

Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puelo – 5/5 stars

Published: 2003, ‎Beacon Press

Genre: Nonfiction (History)

Reviewer: Chloe S., Class II

Stephen Puleo's Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 takes you on a captivating journey into a forgotten historical tragedy. If you enjoy stories about the past and are intrigued by unusual events, this well-researched book is a great pick. Puleo tells the tale of a huge tank filled with molasses that burst in Boston in 1919, causing a deadly wave that swept through the North End. He explores the aftermath, looking at how it affected the people living there and the legal battles that followed. 

Dark Tide isn't just about the disaster; it's also a peek into Boston's life in the early 1900s. Puleo brings the characters to life by describing them vividly, making you care about their stories. The victims, engineers, and legal figures are all carefully portrayed. Puleo weaves together different parts of the story, touching on topics like corporate mistakes, immigration, and the fight for justice. The molasses flood becomes a symbol for larger issues in society, like the power of big companies and the consequences when they aren't careful. This book isn't just a history lesson; it makes you think about accountability and how we balance progress and safety. Puleo's storytelling keeps you hooked with a mix of suspense and historical insights. He turns a forgotten tragedy into a gripping tale that shines a light on an important moment in Boston’s history. Dark Tide is a story of human strength and the quest for justice in the face of a terrible disaster. If you enjoy exploring unusual events from the past, Dark Tide is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.