‘A Fierce Radiance’ by Lauren Belfer

‘A Fierce Radiance’ by Lauren Belfer is a compelling story, with tons of fascinating historical detail. Set in New York during WWII it’s the story of Claire Shipley, a photographer for Life magazine, and the doctors and researchers at The Rockefeller Institute who are trying to make penicillin in quantity in time to save lives on the front. There is a love story, plenty of intrigue and realistic depictions of the stresses of wartime. It’s incredible that just decades ago one could die from a scratch. The thrill of the eventual successful synthesis of penicillin really drives this narrative. This book was hard to put down.