The Burning Road: A Novel (The Plague Tales)

This is a sequel to Ann Benson's The Plague Tales. It tells the story of a 14th century physician during the time immediately after the plague, as well as the story of a woman in the very near future, battling the overly regulated medical establishment to help with a large medical conspiracy. The modern day woman has the original journal of the 14th century physician, and that plays a role in her modern day problem. Well written. While I personally preferred the 14th century sections best the modern day part was quite believable. It does end a bit abruptly, but it is part of a trilogy. Book 3 is The Physician's Tale, just published. If you enjoyed this book, I suggest The Plague Tales (I have reviewed it as well) and A Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks and The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis.

What a sequel! I stumbled onto "The Plague Tales" by accident and was immediately hooked by all of the characters, especially Alejandro, who is one of the most genuinely human characters I've encountered in a fictional novel. Throughout "The Plague Tales" he struggles with the conflict between his passion for learning, devotion to medicine and his moral values. I also enjoyed the "future" characters, Dr. Janie Crowe and her assistant/friend Caroline. The only complaint I had was wanting to know more about the future characters, and I got my wish in "Burning Road." In this sequel, we learn about the cause of "The Outbreaks" in the future and follow Janie as she trys to track the cause of a mysterious illness affecting a certain group of young boys, while dealing with her true feelings for her lover Bruce and her attorney/friend Tom. Alejandro is back, with yet more dilemas to work through, and the character Kate, his "adopted" daughter takes on rich, deep dimensions. In both the past and future storylines, we meet new and exciting characters, revisit old characters in greater detail, and of course, encounter new enemies and dangerous situations. In "Burning Road" the novel seems to spend more equal amounts of time between the past and the future. As with "The Plague Tales", Ms. Benson weaves past and present together in an incredibly artful and satisfying manner. This is simply a great novel, but I definitely suggest that for maximum enjoyment, one should read "The Plague Tales" first. Also, be sure to have a copy of "Burning Road" ready, because you won't want to wait to spend more time with these characters! I'd love to read another installment to this story!

Ann Benson has written another intriguing book. In continuing the story lines that began in The Plague Tales, the author has given the reader another dose of adventure in the past and future. The Burning Road is every bit as good as her first novel. In this installment, Ms. Benson moves her characters forward 10 years. A lot has happened in those 10 years, but you can bet that more is about to happen. Again, you don't have to be a history buff to enjoy this book. The author makes the story lines very interesting and explains what you may need to know about the different times. Most of the medical thriller plot lies in the future story line this time around. But that doesn't make either less interesting. Ms. Benson does a masterful job of developing characters and plot. She packs the adventure and narrow escapes into this one too. Again, I would recommend this book to any one who enjoys reading.

This sequel to The Plague Tales is as much of a good read as was its' predecessor! While I wish it had been a bit more uplifting it was true to the realities of it's times. The uncertain ending leaves things open for a third book that could perhaps follow the lives of the new members of Janie's and Alejandros' families! I look forward to another sequel. Keep up the good work.

As with her previous book, I had a hard time putting it down. The tantalizing events almost forewarn of a sequel. It will be interesting to see what remedies are developed for the newly discovered ailments!! Despite a generally pessimistic attitude I give her five stars!!