A Fierce Radiance (review and giveaway)

A Fierce Radiance

by Lauren Belfer

List Price: $25.99

Hardcover: 544 pages

Publisher: Harper; 1 edition (June 15, 2010)

Language: English

From the publisher: Set during the uncertain early days of World War II, this suspenseful story from the New York Times bestselling author of City of Light follows the work of photojournalist Claire Shipley as she captures America’s race to develop life-saving antibiotics—an assignment that will involve blackmail, espionage, and murder. A sweeping tale of love and betrayal, intrigue and idealism, A Fierce Radiance is an ambitious and deeply engaging novel from an author of immense talent.

My take:  I'm a speed reader (self taught over 30 odd years of reading voraciously) so I typically tear through a novel like this in a matter of a few hours.  Not the case with A Fierce Radiance.  This book was too nuanced, too thought provoking, and too layered for a quick read.  Which was fine with me - I was riveted from the start of this thought provoking novel.  Most of you are probably like me, and take our current medical advances for granted - indeed, until I read the Gabaldon "Outlander" series, I never gave antibiotics a second thought.  Now, especially after reading A Fierce Radiance, I find myself reflecting over what it must have been like in the early 1900's (and earlier) when a simple scratch could mean the death of your child or yourself.  How incredibly lucky we are to be living today with antibiotics at the ready.  And though the heart of this novel is the discovery and manufacture of penicillin, it also includes a murder mystery and a romance.  I personally thoroughly enjoyed this novel and have already placed Ms. Belfer's first novel (City of Light) on my wish list.  ★★★★

The giveaway: One lucky winners will win their own copy of A Fierce Radiance, courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers [US ADDRESSES ONLY PLEASE].

To win: Leave a comment here telling me the name another Harper Collins book that looks like a good read to you. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Thursday, August 5, 2010, 2010. Good Luck!

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This review was sponsored by Harper Collins Publishing who provided the book for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.