A DEATH- STRUCK YEAR BY MAKIIA LUCIER
Publication
date: 3/4/14
Publisher:
HMH Books for Young Readers
Source:
HMH Books for Young Readers via Edelweiss
Hardcover, 288
pages
Rating:
5/5
For Cleo Berry, the people dying of the Spanish
Influenza in cities like New York and Philadelphia may as well be in another
country--that's how far away they feel from the safety of Portland, Oregon. And
then cases start being reported in the Pacific Northwest. Schools, churches,
and theaters shut down.
The entire city is thrust into survival mode--and into
a panic. Headstrong and foolish, seventeen-year-old Cleo is determined to ride
out the pandemic in the comfort of her own home, rather than in her quarantined
boarding school dorms. But when the Red Cross pleads for volunteers, she can't
ignore the call. As Cleo struggles to navigate the world around her, she is
surprised by how much she finds herself caring about near-strangers.
Strangers like Edmund, a handsome medical student and
war vet. Strangers who could be gone tomorrow.
And as the bodies begin to pile up, Cleo can't help but
wonder: when will her own luck run out?
Riveting and well-researched, A Death-Struck
Year is based on the
real-life pandemic considered the most devastating in recorded world history.
Readers will be captured by the suspenseful storytelling and the lingering
questions of: what would I do for a neighbor? At what risk to myself?
An afterword explains the Spanish flu phenomenon, placing it within the
historical context of the early 20th century. Source notes are extensive and
interesting.
I was initially intrigued by this book because of the
fact that it takes place in 1918 – right when Spanish Influenza was
sweeping across the world, leaving thousands dead in every city.
Cleo Berry is an interesting main character. She is in
no way a damsel in distress; she is actually quite the opposite. When her
school is shut down due to the epidemic and her brother/guardian is on
vacation, Cleo spins a tale too her school and family that allows her to stay
home…alone. This is totally unheard of at this time. Cleo shows how difficult
it is for a young girl to survive on her own, yet how much she can accomplish
when unhindered.
Cleo discovers a passion deep inside herself to help
the families and victims devastated by the epidemic. By signing up as a Red
Cross volunteer, she is risking her life, health, and everything she holds
dear. None of that serves as a deterrent to the deep pull inside of her. As a
reader, you see her struggle with every decision and can’t help but let
yourself wonder what you would do if you were in her position.
Cleo develops strong friendships with the other
volunteers and one of the young medical students. Throughout a novel that has
heartbreaking scenes, bittersweet friendships, and new love, we see a girl grow
up in a matter of weeks. She learns that it is better to give of herself than
shy away and that sometimes the greatest risks really are worth taking.
Despite several graphic scenes, this is one title I
would definitely recommend getting as soon as it releases.
“What I would give right now, to feel nothing.” ―Makiia Lucier
Guest Review by: Victoria Lucas
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