Fever, Janet Gilsdorf
I received a complimentary copy of Fever from Beaufort Books in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis by Diane-Lyn:
It is 1984. The United States is hosting the summer Olympics. Prince’s When Doves Cry becomes the number one song of the year. Indira Gandhi is assassinated. President Reagan is elected for a second term. And the AIDS epidemic makes headlines as it just starts to rear its brutal head in America.
Dr. Sidonie (“Sid”) Royal is a brilliant scientist with a complicated personal life. In need of a break, she travels with a friend to Promissao, Brazil; never expecting that the trip would become a turning point in her life and career. A mysterious illness is sweeping the area. Small children are experiencing bizarre symptoms and then dying within days – with no explanation. Tragedy, heartache, and debilitating fear grip the community as the illness continues to claim more young lives. Sid, still haunted by a family tragedy of her own, goes on a mission to find answers despite limited resources. The race against time intensifies when the major, well-funded Global Health Agency gets involved, creating an all-consuming pursuit that takes over Sid’s life and threatens her reputation.
Review by Diane-Lyn:
Author Janet Gilsdorf is a scientist and physician herself, and she combines her knowledge of microbiology with a tremendous gift of words to create a stunning novel. Gilsdorf’s writing is poignantly descriptive and emotional, yet it integrates complex scientific information in layman’s terms. The book flows smoothly, is well-written and well-organized. Chapters are sequential and alternate between settings – shifting mainly between Michigan and Brazil. Fever tackles multiple social issues; the traditional expectations of women, AIDS and the shame of homosexuality in the 1980s, tragedy, and complicated family relationships. Set in 1984, Fever takes us back to a time when certain technology didn’t exist and progressivism was still in its infancy.
Sid’s character is strong and unconventional; dedicated to her work and somewhat disengaged emotionally. I enjoyed her unapologetic refusal to be pigeonholed into a traditional woman’s role. Living life on her terms takes a toll on Sid’s already rocky relationship with her mother, and causes strife with boyfriend, Paul. Her working relationship with Eliot, a brilliant yet gruff scientist, provided an interesting dynamic that is interwoven throughout the novel.
Fever is a captivating novel about a young, passionate scientist who finds the courage to risk everything and persevere against all odds. It is a story of broken families, scientific breakthroughs, love, and resilience. Gildorf provides a descriptive view of life across cultures, and presents the fascinating world of science. Fever is a riveting book that I recommend. Well done!
