Nemesis by Philip Roth

A Book Review by Kathy Galletly

This story takes place during the Polio epidemic during the summer of 1944. It is centered on the character Bucky Cantor, a playground director in a park in Newark, N.J. Bucky witnesses the devastation as this terrifying disease cripples and takes the lives of the young boys on his playground.

The author describes the absolute helplessness and grief of parents who watch their young healthy children being struck down, one by one, by this awful illness. Terror takes over the city as the disease escalates. Where is this polio coming from? Who or what is causing this awful petulance? Is it the summer sun, the drinking water, the hot dogs at the local eatery, or the dirty Italian boys who spit on the ground? The terror, the anger, the frustration and the prejudice escalates. Would escaping to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania be the cure?

Philip Roth was a master at capturing the horror of these terrible epidemics; you feel the escalating fear and sadness with every page. For many of us who were old enough to remember and witness the epidemics it can be a difficult read, but for me it does make me realize the survivors we are.

On a personal note - if you are aware of anyone who has a problem with vaccinating their children, suggest they read this book.