Thursday, June 28, 2012

Yesterday's Dead

Yesterday's Dead
By Pat Bourke
Second Story Press, c2012. 256 pgs. Young Adult

Meredith has dreamed of becoming a teacher, but her family's financial troubles force her to accept a position as a servant. With a stern butler who never seems to think she is capable of doing anything right, the snotty daughter of the family she serves determined to constantly insult her, and being away from her mother and sister, Meredith's situation is incredibly difficult. And the Spanish Influenza comes to Toronto and as all of the adults in the household are either ill themselves or working at the hospital to help the masses of sick people, Meredith's responsibilities become nearly unbearable, as she worries if everyone she cares about will be struck ill--and if any of them will survive.

I enjoyed the chance to take a look at the Spanish Influenza epidemic, but didn't care as much for the character development. It's interesting look at a historical event but not the most engaging story. Still, historical fiction fans should find something they like about the book, even if they don't love everything.

AE

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