A review by kelly_inthe419
The Woman With the Cure by Lynn Cullen

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.