1918

by David Cornish MD

Overview

*FIRST PLACE, LITERARY FICTION -- Independent Publishers of New England Book Awards (IPNE.org).

Written by a doctor of Internal Medicine, "1918" is a rigorously researched and accurate historical novel about the pandemic that killed up to 100 million people. The story is told through the eyes of Dr. Edward Noble, an army major and infectious disease sub-specialist, whose unique position in Boston allows him to detect an emerging influenza strain that is an unprecedented global threat. The actual medical literature and terminology of the time, plus real personal accounts of the pandemic, are used to put the reader in the mind of this early 20th century physician.

KIRKUS REVIEWS said, "... (Dr.) Noble is an appealing, knowledgeable focal point in this fictionalized rendering of the great pandemic. ...Affecting characters and dramatic storytelling..."

BOOKIDEAS.com said, "5 Stars." "I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone... A great story that weaves the reader between a macro view of one of the most deadly pandemics in history, yet within the chapters there are precious, personal moments that humanize the hero that Dr. Noble unwittingly, yet humbly portrays to the rest of the world. A great read on all levels!"

*AWARD WINNER, HISTORICAL FICTION, READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD - READERS FAVORITE.com said, "5 Stars." "...1918 is a must read..." The meticulous narrative undeniably has the ability to transport readers back to the era..."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781482687156
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	06/07/2013
Pages:	774
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.54(d)

Editorial Reviews

2013-10-31
A U.S. physician with a specialty in infectious diseases fights against the 1918 influenza pandemic in Cornish's debut work of historical fiction. Maj. Edward Noble, overseeing American soldiers during "The War," is ordered back to Boston to ensure diseases don't continue to spike the mortality rate. He soon learns of the high death rate from influenza, which only increases when the virus crops up in other countries and then returns to the States as a much deadlier strain. Dwindling hospital staff and medical supplies are just part of Noble's troubles. Warning the public of a pandemic isn't easy when certain powerful people refuse to accept that influenza is a disease. Cornish's novel has surprisingly few characters considering its scope; it clocks in at more than 750 pages. But keeping the cast manageable proves to be a great asset; it still shows the flu's reach while concentrating on the sympathetic Noble; his wife, Lilly; and their five children. The doctor faces plenty of obstacles professionally--alerting people about the virus incites the surgeon general, who asserts that influenza is not a concern--as well as at home, where none of his loved ones are immune to the disease. Supporting characters shine, including Col. Victor Vaughn, a good friend to Noble's late father; Akeema, the nanny treated as family; and Cmdr. Richard Cunard, Noble's nemesis since Lilly chose Noble instead of him back at Boston University. Cornish loads his story with medical jargon. Most of it can be deciphered via context, like "roentgenograms," which are X-ray photographs. But the surplus of terminology can be a deterrent: The dramatic punch of caring for a sickly family member is softened by cold clinical descriptions, both in the dialogue between Noble and Lilly and in the repetition and recording of vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, etc.). Regardless, Noble is an appealing, knowledgeable focal point in this fictionalized rendering of the great influenza pandemic. Affecting characters and dramatic storytelling overcome an occasionally argot-laden plot.

Kirkus Reviews