Fever

Set in early 20th-century New York City, this historical novel by Mary Beth Keane explores the life of Mary Mallon, known as “Typhoid Mary,” spotlighting her journey from Irish immigrant to a talented cook and her subsequent quarantine amid public health fears. With a focus on her resilience and independence, the story portrays her complex character and the societal challenges she faced. Through vivid historical detail, the novel brings to life Gilded Age New York and one woman’s fierce spirit in the face of controversy.