Books matching: 1918 flu epidemic
14 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen is a historical fiction novel set in a small town called Commonwealth during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918. The town decides to quarantine itself, exploring themes of fear, loyalty, patriotism, and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make to protect their community during times of crisis. The plot follows the residents as they face moral dilemmas, conflicts with the outside world, and the consequences of their decisions, creating a multi-layered morality tale set against the backdrop of WWI.
The road to Commonwealth was long and forbidding, stretching for miles beyond Timber Falls and leading deep into the evergreen woods, where the trees grew taller still as if trying to reach the sun th... 'Flu: The Story Of The Great Influenza Pandemic' by Gina Kolata delves into the 1918 flu epidemic, highlighting the devastating impact it had on society. The author focuses on the scientific race to isolate and identify the virus that caused the pandemic, making it a page-turning thriller. Through detailed accounts of historical events and scientific discoveries, Kolata explores the efforts to understand and combat influenza outbreaks, drawing parallels between past and present pandemics.
The narrative style of the book intertwines historical context with scientific advancements, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the 1918 flu epidemic and its implications on modern healthcare practices. Kolata's storytelling weaves together personal anecdotes, research endeavors, and societal responses to infectious diseases, creating a compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of influenza outbreaks throughout history.
The Pandemic Century by Mark Honigsbaum is a detailed exploration of pandemics over the last century, presenting vivid accounts of historical outbreaks like the 1918 flu epidemic, HIV/AIDS, and Ebola. The author shares gripping narratives that shed light on how these infectious diseases spread and how society responded to them. Honigsbaum combines historical context with scientific insights, highlighting the complex interplay between human behavior, environmental changes, and the patterns of disease outbreaks, while also emphasizing the need for better preparedness against future pandemics.
The writing style is engaging and journalistic, making the book accessible to readers without a medical background. Honigsbaum employs a mix of thrilling storytelling and thorough research, ensuring that readers comprehend the medical and social dynamics behind each pandemic. While the book is packed with detailed information, it remains easy to read, drawing in the audience with its dramatic recounting of events and the pressing relevance of its themes amid current global health challenges.
'The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History' by John M. Barry delves into the 1918 Influenza pandemic, providing a detailed account of the outbreak, its impact, and the societal responses. The author skillfully weaves together historical facts, scientific insights, and personal narratives, offering a comprehensive look at the devastating effects of the virus. Barry's writing style is described as dense with facts, backed up by an extensive bibliography and footnotes section, creating a narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. not only covers the medical aspects of the pandemic but also explores the societal breakdown, consequences of poor policy decisions, and the challenges faced by scientists and researchers during that time.
ON SEPTEMBER 12, 1876, the crowd overflowing the auditorium of Baltimore's Academy of Music was in a mood of hopeful excitement, but excitement without frivolity. Indeed, despite an unusual number of ...- #5
Save:'So Long, See You Tomorrow' by William Maxwell is a poignant and haunting tale that explores the themes of loss, memory, and the impact of past events on the present. Set in rural Illinois in the 1920s, the story revolves around a murder that shatters the friendship between two teenagers, the narrator and Cletus Smith. The narrative unfolds through the lens of the grown narrator reflecting on his childhood and the tragic events that unfolded in his youth. Maxwell's writing style is characterized by its simplicity, spare prose, and the interplay between memory and imagination, creating a moving and compelling narrative that lingers in the reader's mind.
The gravel pit was about a mile east of town, and the size of a small lake, and so deep that boys under sixteen were forbidden by their parents to swim there. I knew it only by hearsay. It had no bott... - #6
Save:'They Came Like Swallows' by William Maxwell is a poignant and beautifully written novel that delves into the themes of loss, grief, and family dynamics during the 1918 flu epidemic. Through the perspectives of different family members, particularly Bunny, Robert, and James, the story unfolds, showcasing the impact of the Spanish Flu on their lives. The author's writing style is described as intimate, honest, and moving, providing a deep insight into the inner workings of the characters' minds and emotions.
Bunny did not waken all at once. A sound (what, he did not know) struck the surface of his sleep and sank like a stone. His dream subsided, leaving him awake, stranded, on his bed. He turned helplessl... - #7
Save:'Memories of a Catholic Girlhood' by Mary McCarthy is a collection of memoirs that recount the author's experiences as a young girl orphaned after her parents' deaths during the 1918 flu epidemic. The stories provide a glimpse into McCarthy's upbringing in a Catholic environment, her struggles with faith, and her reflections on the impact of Catholicism on her life. The writing style is described as a combination of long, sensual sentences and a strong, journalistic voice, creating a compelling narrative that blends humor and heartbreak.
- #8
Save:'The Bookbinder of Jericho' is a historical novel set during World War I, focusing on a diverse group of women in Oxford. The story revolves around the struggles and triumphs of these women, their support for each other, and their quest for education and empowerment. The narrative beautifully weaves in details about bookbinding, the impact of war on social classes, and the historical context of the time period, including the 1918 flu epidemic.
- #9
Save:Set in Dublin during the 1918 flu pandemic, "The Pull of the Stars" by Emma Donoghue follows Nurse Julia Power as she navigates the challenges of a maternity ward filled with pregnant women suffering from the flu. The story delves into the harsh realities of the time, highlighting poverty, illness, and the impact of the Catholic Church on women's lives. Through detailed descriptions and a focus on historical events, the novel captures the struggles of the characters as they face life and death situations in a Catholic-run hospital.
The narrative is driven by the interactions between Nurse Julia, a rebel doctor named Dr. Kathleen Lynn, and a young volunteer named Bridie Sweeney, who bring different perspectives and experiences to the forefront. As they work together to care for the patients in the ward, the book explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the fight for survival amidst the turmoil of post-war Dublin and the deadly influenza outbreak.
STILL HOURS OF DARK to go when I left the house that morning. I cycled through reeking Dublin streets that were slick with rain. My short green cape kept off the worst, but my coat sleeves were soon w... - #10
Save:"The Orphan Collector" by Ellen Marie Wiseman is a historical fiction novel set in Philadelphia during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. The story follows Pia, a 13-year-old German immigrant who is left to care for her twin brothers after her mother dies from the flu and her father is away fighting in the war. Pia's brothers are stolen by a bitter and racist woman named Bernice Groves, leading to a harrowing journey of loss, survival, and resilience. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the brutal realities of the pandemic, orphanages run by cruel nuns, and the challenges faced by children in that era.
The writing style of Ellen Marie Wiseman in "The Orphan Collector" has been described as compelling, disturbing, heart-wrenching, and emotionally stirring. The author effectively captures the historical setting of the Spanish Flu epidemic, making the reader feel the devastation caused to families and children during that time. The novel also incorporates elements of magical realism, adding depth and complexity to the emotional conflict between the characters, particularly Pia and Bernice.
The deadly virus stole unnoticed through the crowded cobblestone streets of Philadelphia on a sunny September day, unseen and unheard amidst the jubilant chaos of the Liberty Loan parade and the patri...
