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Title:	Woman with the Cure, The
Authors:	Cullen, Lynn
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	432
Year:	2023
Language:	English
Description:	Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin may have ended up as household names for their work on the polio vaccine, but their success would not have been possible without the contributions of Dr Dorothy Horstmann. Unlike many of her male colleagues, Dorothy is seeking a cure for public good rather than personal fame, and her efforts to understand the disease, which is holding 1940s and 50s America ransom, clear the way for the much-needed vaccine. In this fascinating story of history brought to life, this engaging novel pays homage to an admirable and determined scientist, often overlooked and sidelined, a woman ahead of her time.
Categories:	Fiction, Faction, Gender Issues, Historical, Medical/Health, Social commentary/perspectives, USA, America, 2026 Titles

Reviews

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By: ALEXA 004		2026-03-07 11:50:31

Fascinating subject which made us deep-dive into the whole "who was actually responsible for discovering vaccines" issue. Great discussion on feminism, our own childhood experiences etc. More substance than style, as most did not like the "way" it was written.

By: NEWP 001		2026-03-02 14:52:45

Generated good discussion about issues such as epidemics, vaccination, polio, gender stereotypes and animal cruelty - and historical and personal knowledge of these. Fascinating insight into life for women in the mid 20th century.

By: AUCK 480		2025-10-06 20:01:11

Not a very popular read for our group. We liked the information but found the story not very engaging.

By: NELS 086		2025-08-25 10:28:10

Great insight into polio and women's struggles to get recognition for their skills.

By: WELL 045		2025-06-25 12:08:30

We all had a lot of enthusiasm for this book. People found it informative, engrossing and engaging.

By: LOWER 025		2025-06-07 16:20:16

We were all so looking forward to this book, as we were keen to read about the story of Dr Dorothy Horstmann and to learn about the polio scourge she worked so hard to eradicate. We certainly learnt much about the long and frustrating path to develop a vaccine, and Dorothy's incredible contribution. It was shocking to read what the children stricken with this disease endured and Dorothy's humanity shone through too. We found the book too long, however, and a bit disjointed, so the story did not hold our attention in the way we had hoped.

By: KATIK 002		2024-12-11 13:57:19

We all enjoyed this so much - what an impressive intelligent woman, so accepting of the sexism, but that was the way. The drive and determination despite all odds....