Elizabeth (jopmav) - , reviewed on 8/29/2010 + 23 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

My initial reaction after completing A Fierce Radiance by Lauren Belfer was: Wow.
A Fierce Radiance takes place during World War II, focusing on the development of penicillin. The book follows Claire Shipley who is a photographer/reporter for Life magazine as she lives during WWII. Claire is given the opportunity to follow what she feels is an important story about the beginnings of penicillin. As Claire (and readers) learn more about this new drug she also gets to know some of the scientists and physicians behind its creation. The Penicillin story is one that is very personal to Claire as years before she lost a child who might have been saved by this new drug. As Claire learns more about the drug she befriends one of the leading physicians, Dr James Staton, who in turn befriends Claire's son Charlie. Meanwhile, Claire's estranged father is attempting to work his way back into Claire and Charlie lives. A mysterious and suspicious death brings emotions and feelings of betrayal to the front.
Filled with a large amount of history, a small bit of romance and a bit of mystery A Fierce Radiance pulled me in from the beginning. I really enjoyed how the characters interacted with one another. The story flowed well and was filled with interesting bits of history that I had never really thought much about. I truly enjoyed the story a great deal, I would have liked to know more of what happened to the characters after wards.
I read this book as part of the CLSC and can't wait to read another one for CLSC!

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