Shirley Freitas

Shirley Freitas is a sixth-generation Northern Californian known for her compelling storytelling and political activism. She writes primarily in contemporary fiction and is best known for her novel The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight (2024). Freitas's work reflects her rich life experiences, which include reading, writing, and defying societal norms.

Shirley Freitas was born in Northern California. She learned to read at age five and wrote her first story at seven. Her early activism began with a successful walkout in sixth grade against a restrictive dress code for girls. This early defiance set the tone for her later years, where her love of rock and roll and baseball often clashed with the conservative ideologies of her upbringing.

After a tumultuous escape to Los Angeles and a series of challenging jobs, Freitas became involved with the American Indian Movement and La Raza at 18, further solidifying her commitment to social justice.

The Fire Bell Strikes at Midnight is set against the backdrop of Piñon County, California, in 1985, as it faces an impending environmental and economic crisis. As a wildfire threatens the community, sordid truths from the past emerge, revealing a grim legacy of arson and murder dating back to 1888.

Relationships are tested as the residents confront issues of spousal abuse, racism and bigotry amidst the chaos. The novel intricately weaves the narrative of a community struggling to come to terms with its dark history while dealing with the immediate threats of nature and internal strife.

Freitas captures the tension and atmosphere of the moment: "As disaster descends on Piñon County, past and present collide, forcing the community to reckon with its shameful history." Her writing has been described as "beautifully told and evocative".

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