Scan barcode
A review by foursythia
A Quiet Contagion by Jane Jesmond
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
So, the best part was how well thought of & well researched the book is. Upon reading this, as a young non-American, I also get to learn about polio pandemics that happened half a century ago, about the Coventry polio epidemic & about the Cutter incident. I like how in the end the author give notes & more insights on the event and tell us the author works carefully treading the details as they highlight this topic to become a work of fiction.
Now, I went in expecting a thriller & crime mystery--which was what the book is about, sure. But it also, has the feeling of historical fiction to it. Was it intended? Perhaps not (or maybe?) but I wonder if it comes across that way too for other readers or the author. There were some subplots & plot reveal that felt..? I'm sure it wasn't intended that way, but the way it's delivered, it somehow appears like it's a filler. I wish to explore a bit more about Phiney's medical condition & test result because of the built up to it; but the second it was out, the subplot was dropped immediately: resolved abruptly & vanish into thin air. As for how most of the people responsible to the incident & scandal conveniently die, the ending left me hanging & unsatisfied. So what happened to them? Sure the police won't investigate, but which death were indeed accidents as it is, did Wilf end his own life or was he (and the rest) murdered? How about Harry, and Phiney's being pushed in early part of the book?
So many questions was intrigued in me but I find so little answer, I wish the reader could have deeper conclusion to all this mess. But quite a good one. I appreciate the sentiment on writing a book based on such important event. Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me an early read through the eARC.
Now, I went in expecting a thriller & crime mystery--which was what the book is about, sure. But it also, has the feeling of historical fiction to it. Was it intended? Perhaps not (or maybe?) but I wonder if it comes across that way too for other readers or the author. There were some subplots & plot reveal that felt..? I'm sure it wasn't intended that way, but the way it's delivered, it somehow appears like it's a filler. I wish to explore a bit more about Phiney's medical condition & test result because of the built up to it; but the second it was out, the subplot was dropped immediately: resolved abruptly & vanish into thin air. As for how most of the people responsible to the incident & scandal conveniently die, the ending left me hanging & unsatisfied. So what happened to them? Sure the police won't investigate, but which death were indeed accidents as it is, did Wilf end his own life or was he (and the rest) murdered? How about Harry, and Phiney's being pushed in early part of the book?
So many questions was intrigued in me but I find so little answer, I wish the reader could have deeper conclusion to all this mess. But quite a good one. I appreciate the sentiment on writing a book based on such important event. Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me an early read through the eARC.