A Fierce Radiance

A Fierce Radiance
by Lauren Belfer

Imagine a world where people routinely die from infected cuts and scratches. Its 1941 and penicillin is an experimental drug. Researchers at the Rockefeller Institute are growing the green mold in milk bottles and bedpans and testing the drug on patients with raging infections. Claire Shipley, a staff photographer for Life Magazine, is documenting the treatment of one of the patients, Edwin Reese. As she photographs Reese getting his penicillin shot from Dr. James Stanton Claire flashes back to memories of her daughter's illness and death seven years before. Three-year Emily got a scratch that became infected and turned into blood poisoning. After Emily's death, Claire and her husband divorced and Claire was left to raise their infant son, Charlie. Claire pushes her memories aside continue photographing Reese, his family and the staff of the Rockefeller Institute. Claire is drawn to the head researcher, James Stanton and they begin a romance that is interrupted by the bombing of Pearl Harbor and America's entry in World War II. While Claire continues her work James Stanton is tapped as the national scientific coordinator and he is tasked to provide enough penicillin to treat battlefield injuries. The story of Claire and James spans the war years. James travels around the United States and to North Africa in his official capacity. Claire's photo shoots bring war-time New York City into sharp focus for the reader in this well- researched book. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Postmistress by Sarah Blake, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford and City of Light by Lauren Belfer.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[Also available in downloadable audio and downloadable E-book formats.]

[ official A Fierce Radiance page on the official Lauren Belfer web site ]

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