Reviews

The Woman With the Cure by Lynn Cullen

nadja_a's review

emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.25

hoolia's review

hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

3.0

gracethefishy's review

adventurous informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The remarkable story recounting the challenges, successes, and life of Dr. Dorothy Horstmann. She was imperitive in the development of the polio vaccine. This book really captures the frustrations of women scientists (and are relatable today), the fear associated with polio, and the interconnected nature of science. Such an excellent read, would be great for students! 

thislibrarianisreading's review

challenging hopeful informative mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

meghanm404's review

emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Pandemic/Epidemic

Moderate: Child death, Sexism, and War

Minor: Dementia and Grief

ashleyhoj's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

kelly_inthe419's review

4.0

The Woman with the Cure was a fascinating look at a time I'm not very familiar with. As the poliovirus pandemic rages across not just America, but the world, nonfictional Dorothy Horstmann becomes a champion not just for a cure, but a vaccine. Dorothy is a rare female doctor and scientist in a world dominated by men. All along the way, she must stand up for herself and for the children and families affected by polio. She fights for sharing and collaboration rather than competition and secrecy in the scientific community.

This story is a fictionalized account of the work of Horstmann, as well as Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, the two names most familiar to the public. Horstmann is portrayed as a determined, compassionate and brilliant scientist, and I am so glad I had a chance to read her story. Other women, including Isabel Morgan, Bernice Eddy and Elsie Ward are discussed as well. So many of them now forgotten for their role in combatting this crippling, often deadly, virus.

Although the story is heavy on the science and research at times, it is beautifully written and captures a most interesting - and frightening - time in history. I cannot imagine being a parent who lived through those times.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for my eARC of this terrific story.

qofdnz's review against another edition

hopeful informative slow-paced

3.75

sarahschrier's review

hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

chrisjentine's review

4.0

Love a good historical fiction. Love a good book on medicine. What a perfect combination for my interests. This book made me feel all the feels in the best ways. I really felt for Dr. Dorothy Horstmann as she had to endure the struggles of being in a field historically dominated by men, but seeing her determination left me feeling empowered and inspired.