The Speckled Monster: A Historical Tale of Battling Smallpox Audiobook

" This is a fictionalized account of smallpox in England and in Boston in the early 18th century. While many people are familiar with the story of Jenner and vaccination against smallpox using the cowpox virus, fewer people are aware of the process of variolation, which used small amount of smallpox to give the recipients a milder case which protected them from the disease. This was practiced in Africa, Turkey and the far east and was "rediscovered" and brought into practice by two brave people, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, a survivor of this terrible disease. and Zabdiel Boylston, a doctor in Boston. Each took much risk to spearhead the use of this practice, and in some ways, suffered for their beliefs. The author has done an enormous amount of research into smallpox and the history of variolation and does a nice job of building a full story about each side rather than just a recitation of the facts. "

" Non-fiction that reads as easily as a novel. Fascinating. "

" This dual narrative recounts how two scarred pioneers an ocean apart saved hundreds of lives: by injecting healthy people with one of the world's deadliest diseases. "

" A piece of historical fiction/non-fiction following the parallel descriptions of the introduction of variolation in America and Britain in the 1700s. The historical events are fascinating in the years before Jenner elucidated cowpox vaccination for smallpox; however, I was not a fan of the use of fictional conversations and thoughts to describe historical events. That being said, the book captures the intense fear surrounding a smallpox epidemic and new medical interventions. "

" The book starts out slowly but picks up as she gets into the subject. I really learned alot about smallpox. "

" I actually finished this book a few days ago. Anyone who feels squeamish about vaccinations should read this book. The doctors who took a chance on a smallpox vaccine were vilified by the public, pilloried in the press and were mocked by their colleagues. They continued their work in the face of threats against their lives and threats of imprisonment. Without these brave men and their patients, smallpox would still a threat to our world population. I find it interesting to note that smallpox has been eliminated but for several strains that are held in labs in the United States and Russia. "

" Could not get into the first time I tried to read it. I stopped after a couple of chapters and returned the book. I started again for book club and started at chapter three. It worked better. I think the way the intro is done there are too many names and you don't know who is important. I went back and read the first chapter this time, and it made more sense after reading chapters three. I thought the book was really well done other than that. It bordered on a little too long and a little too wordy in points, but a really great story over all. "

" Fantastic. Wonderful history, especially from Boston. "

" A well-presented historical fiction on the smallpox inoculation controversy in London and Boston in the eighteenth century. I thought Carrell combined both the factual and fictional in a cohesive and readable manner, even if the dialogue ran on too long in some chapters. Very informative. "

" I really struggled with this one. It was good, but I just couldn't get into it. It was like reading a textbook for me. "

" I really enjoyed this book. "

" Fabulous-- if you like your history with a little fictionalization. Mostly history-- only one, embarassing sentance that veers into bodice ripper territory in an otherwise great book. "

" A very well written book of the beginnings of vaccinations. She writes this as a novel and therefore it is easy to read and very interesting. I would recommend this book especially if you are interested in history. "

" What a great synopsis and story about how smallpox was cured. This happens in both New England and England at the same time and the sharing of info across the Atlantic helps 2 doctors fight the disease secretly. You learn a lot and enjoy the story all at once! "

" I really enjoyed this book - it was fascinating for me to learn about how people dealt with disease and sickness at that time in history...and how very superstitious they were! Interesting read, one of my faves. "

" Interesting subject and not really my usual thing. But a very good popular history and interesting one you get into it and sort out who is who. "

" Terrific story of finding the cure for small pox. Almost reduced to 4 stars because it took me so long to finish it but overall this is a must read for people who like history. Read like a novel. "

" I like learning about diseases hah... "

" I enjoyed the book, but I wish that the author had focused on either the Boston or London epidemics. Jumping back and forth was annoying. "

" An eye-opening look at the devastation wrought by this disease and the struggles faced by those fighting for the practice of inoculation. "

" Loved the narrative structure of this small pox tale. Great mixture of history and drama. "

" This was really interesting to me. I was surprised to learn how hard it was to get society to accept the idea of a vaccine, in spite of clear proof that it worked. "

" Interesting topic, but it was too slow of a read for me. "

" Loved it! Who would have thought a book about small pox could be so fantastic. "

" fascinating account of the eradication of small box - really enjoyed it and learned something, too! "