Ship Fever: Stories

I first discovered Andrea Barrett when I read one of the short storiesin her collection SHIP FEVER, entitled "The Behaviour of theHawkweeds" in BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES. ... In her other tales in this collection, Barret explores experiences and perspecives associatedwith science and medicine in the 19th century. One tale "Sorache"describes the terrible consequences of a treatment for altitude sickness ona pregnant tourist. In "Birds With No Feet" a young naturalist realizes his love of nature and his scientific exploits are on a deadly collision. My second favorite story (after Hawkweeds) is the eponymoustale "Ship Fever." I could relate to this tale because my great-grandmother Anna Mary immigrated from Genderalden Bavaria in the 1850s to Chicago, where the members of her family were struck down by Cholera. Of herfamily--father, mother, four brothers and herself--only Anna Mary andone brother survived. In "Ship Fever" Barrett recounts theterrible effects of Cholera on the immigrant ships....These are wonderfuland moving stories. Barrett enlightens us about life in the 19th Century, where science promised so much while simultaneously introducing a new worldof pain and terror.

Just as John Grisham's protagonists are lawyers, the protagonists of Andrea Barrett's Ship Fever are biologists and physicians, most often from the 19th century. Ship Fever is a collection of short stories plus a novella which shares the collection's title. The historical novella Ship Fever is of itself more than worth the price of this book, and the short stories that accompany it are gems to be treasured. Ship Fever is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the terrible tragedy of the Irish during the potato famine, and inadequacies of 19th century medicine in dealing with epidemics aboard crowded and unsanitary ships carry fleeing emmigrants. Many of the characters are historical figures, the research is meticulous, and like all stories in this collection, the reader is totally engaged. I highly recommend this book.

This is one of the most intelligently written collections I have read in a long time. At first thought, I was concerned that the weaving of fictional characters with historical figures from the world of science would result in a contrived work that was more interested in serving its format than it was at achieving its literary goal. My concerns were misplaced. The author has created a series of tales that explore and provide insight into some of the most basic human emotions. She is especially adept at creating events that transcend their natural progression and serve as metaphors for at times exhilarating, and at times disturbing aspects of the human condition. Although I can understand those who might feel that this is a book that is difficult to put down, I would suggest that it is better digested in small servings. Each tale requires some reflection on the reader's part in order to best enjoy this wonderful collection.

I was initially drawn to this book by its cover. Upon further examination, I found the various story names very intriguing and decided that this book was worth a try. I have not read anything as thought provoking and so well written in a very long time. Andrea Barrett has skillfully woven historical facts regarding famous scientists, such as Linnaeus, with modern day subjects and characters which brings the stories to life with a truly refreshing richness and sense of credibility. It is filled with lucid descriptions of both persons and places which adds to the joy of reading this compilation of stories. I highly recommend this book, I may not be Oprah, but I am an avid reader and this book is a true treasure. I cannot wait for the publication of her next work. If you have vowed to read more in this New Year, then pick up Andrea Barrett's Ship Fever. Everything else you read after Ship Fever will have a hard time surpassing its brilliance! The old adage of do not judge a book by its cover does not apply here...it is beautiful to behold with the eye and in the hand. It is a modern day masterpiece