What do you think?
Rate this book
Contagion
Rose Dugan is a young and beautiful woman living in Philadelphia in the late 19th century passionate about keeping Philadelphia's water reservoir clean and healthy. But when Rose starts receiving threatening letters, warning her to convince her husband to shut down his plans for a water filtration system or else, things take a turn for the worse. A conspicuous murder and butting heads cause Rose to search for the culprit, the truth, and a way to keep the people of Philadelphia safe from contagion in more ways than one.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2010
2 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Dahme
8 books11 followersJoanne Dahme has first-hand knowledge about the rivers and streams in the Philadelphia area as she works for the Philadelphia Water Department as its Watersheds Programs Manager. Her mission is to restore and revitalize Philadelphia’s rivers and streams.
During her years with the department, Joanne obtained a Master’s of Journalism and Master’s in Creative Writing from Temple University. Joanne has completed a number of short stories and three young adult novels. She lives with her husband and son in Philadelphia.
During her years with the department, Joanne obtained a Master’s of Journalism and Master’s in Creative Writing from Temple University. Joanne has completed a number of short stories and three young adult novels. She lives with her husband and son in Philadelphia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 18, 2010
I'd give it more of a 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed reading about the environmental aspect to the story. In a way, it mirrors what's happening right now with climate change becoming a major issue for many people. Some of the characters in the story wanted to put in a filtration system, when other characters, like Luke, believe that the community needs to follow legislation that would curb pollution to begin with. Having this as part of the plot made this more than the typical teen romance, which added to my enjoyment. Plus, I always enjoy a book that I can connect to current events. I also thought that Dahme did a great job of making her characters believable. It was clear that Luke was passionate about stopping the pollution of Philedelphia's water, and his choices and behavior made sense to me. Rose was also believable, and while there were times when I was frustrated with her (her husband mistreating her, denial of his possible affair), her behavior was realistic.
I think that the major issue with this book is that it's probably only going to be enjoyed by a set group of readers. In my opinion, that group will be older teens/adults, historical fiction fans, and people who are willing to read a book for characters rather than action. Luckily, I fit in to that category, and have read Dahme's work previously. So, I knew what to expect in terms of her writing style. This one was a bit slow to start, though. Still, if you stick through the slow scenes, the tension begins to build. The final thing I had a hard time with was reading about Rose's marriage. Although, now that I think about it, it's supposed to be hard to read about. Nevertheless, it became abusive, and I wasn't really sure how Rose was going to be able to escape her increasingly horrible situation. She was a victim of the cycle of abuse, and didn't pursue any suspicions that she had about Patrick. He didn't beat her, but there was definitely some verbal abuse, and a scene where it was implied that they slept together and she wasn't fully consenting.
I enjoyed reading about the environmental aspect to the story. In a way, it mirrors what's happening right now with climate change becoming a major issue for many people. Some of the characters in the story wanted to put in a filtration system, when other characters, like Luke, believe that the community needs to follow legislation that would curb pollution to begin with. Having this as part of the plot made this more than the typical teen romance, which added to my enjoyment. Plus, I always enjoy a book that I can connect to current events. I also thought that Dahme did a great job of making her characters believable. It was clear that Luke was passionate about stopping the pollution of Philedelphia's water, and his choices and behavior made sense to me. Rose was also believable, and while there were times when I was frustrated with her (her husband mistreating her, denial of his possible affair), her behavior was realistic.
I think that the major issue with this book is that it's probably only going to be enjoyed by a set group of readers. In my opinion, that group will be older teens/adults, historical fiction fans, and people who are willing to read a book for characters rather than action. Luckily, I fit in to that category, and have read Dahme's work previously. So, I knew what to expect in terms of her writing style. This one was a bit slow to start, though. Still, if you stick through the slow scenes, the tension begins to build. The final thing I had a hard time with was reading about Rose's marriage. Although, now that I think about it, it's supposed to be hard to read about. Nevertheless, it became abusive, and I wasn't really sure how Rose was going to be able to escape her increasingly horrible situation. She was a victim of the cycle of abuse, and didn't pursue any suspicions that she had about Patrick. He didn't beat her, but there was definitely some verbal abuse, and a scene where it was implied that they slept together and she wasn't fully consenting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2010
I was disappointed in this historical novel, set at the end of the 19th century in Philadelphia, which revolves around a young woman named Rose Dugan. Rose seems to have it all--a fancy house, nice clothes, a best friend, and a rich and charming husband, Patrick. Her husband is a contractor who wants to build Philadelphia's first water filtration system, and is embroiled in the nasty world of 19th century urban politics. When Rose's best friend is murdered while wearing Rose's cloak, and Rose receives threatening letters, Rose becomes suspicious of her husband's business dealings. Soon an epidemic of typhoid has seized the city, at a time when the disease doesn't usually flare up. The story is told from the alternating point of view of Rose and a handsome water engineer, Sean, who is secretly in love with Rose.
I have to say that I didn't find the ins and outs of the Philadelphia water works very interesting, despite the murder mystery that the author weaves around the setting. I would contrast this to Jame Richards' book Three Rivers Rising, another YA novel released this year that also revolves around the mismanagement of water resources, and which I found very compelling. Also, I found the character of Patrick Dugan, the husband and villain, to not be very believable. I also didn't really identify with the character of Rose, who seems really weak when all the evidence is pointing to her husband being an evil character. Even when she finds evidence that he is having an affair, she doesn't really seem to turn away from his embraces.
While this may have local interest for people who live in Pennsylvania and are interested in local history, I did not find this to be a novel I would recommend widely.
I have to say that I didn't find the ins and outs of the Philadelphia water works very interesting, despite the murder mystery that the author weaves around the setting. I would contrast this to Jame Richards' book Three Rivers Rising, another YA novel released this year that also revolves around the mismanagement of water resources, and which I found very compelling. Also, I found the character of Patrick Dugan, the husband and villain, to not be very believable. I also didn't really identify with the character of Rose, who seems really weak when all the evidence is pointing to her husband being an evil character. Even when she finds evidence that he is having an affair, she doesn't really seem to turn away from his embraces.
While this may have local interest for people who live in Pennsylvania and are interested in local history, I did not find this to be a novel I would recommend widely.
November 6, 2010
I didn't dig it. Here's why:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
December 20, 2011
I almost gave up on this one. Am I glad I stuck it out? Meh. It was okay. What had me wanting to put it down originally was the language. Names were heinously overused in dialogue and for me, that really stands out. People don't say each other's names when talking to each other that often. It just ends up sounding stilted and it was used so much that it grated on me enough to want to walk away. Plus the plot was really lagging at the beginning. It didn't seem to be going anywhere and it was heavily involved in the intricacies of water filtration. Good on the author for knowing her stuff, but I think far too much of that knowledge was transferred to the page unnecessarily. There were points where it really bogged down the plot and I started not wanting to pick up the book again when I put it down.
But once Nellie died, everything picked up and the suspense held me to the page enough that I wanted to keep reading. Just barely. Another pervasive irk was the insistence of people's clothing. Regardless of the POV, both Rose and Sean were exceptionally detailed about what people were wearing. Again, good on the author for being historically accurate, but again I think it was a little too much knowledge transferred to the page for my liking. I got the images the first time around. By the 25th time, I was over it. But the plot, once it picked up with Nellie's death, I was able to push aside these issues that I had and it kept me engaged in the story.
For all of the rather useless information that was dumped throughout, Dahme definitely knows how to write suspense. I absolutely wanted to know if Sean had ulterior motives and if Patrick really was the slime that he appeared to be. I really did want to find out who was behind Nellie's death and whether Patrick's faithful housemaid was just a bit touched or if she was really dangerous.
Really, the best part was how Dahme connected something as innocuous as water filtration to something sinister. It's so subtle yet so horrifying but absolutely believable. In people's bids for power and money, I wouldn't put it past them to make sacrifices out of others. It's been done before and I have no doubt it'll be done again. So while Dahme was heavy-handed with the water works information at the beginning, it did serve a bit of a purpose later on in the story. I think it would have been just as effective without so much but since she's heavy into Philadelphia's water treatment herself, I think it's only natural that it would be front and center in a story like this.
The most infuriating part of the story for me was Rose's insistence at defending her husband despite all of the evidence overwhelming him. Maybe it was a voice of the time, which I do believe. But I'd like to think that even women who were bred to stand by their man would exhibit some kind of independent thought. And since we get to be in Rose's head for half the story, you'd be able to see if something like that cropped up. But how she'd melt at a touch from her husband and forget her worries made me want to scream. I couldn't stand it. It did get very bad towards the end and really colored my vision of Rose but keeping the time in mind, I'm wondering how many options she actually had.
The ending I found both too easy and nominally satisfying. It's a decent juxtaposition. I don't want to spoil it so I'll just say that it wrapped up really abruptly and I think it gave Rose an easy way out. It saved her from actually having to fight and stand up to anyone. That bothered me. But at the same time she did stand up to people, as much as a woman of that time could. So can I really fault her for not being stronger? I don't know. But I was, in some part of me, satisfied with the ending. It rounded out the story nicely and left Rose's life open. It ended in a good spot.
Overall, the suspense was good and if you stick with the plot, it will pick itself up pretty nicely. The story had it's pitfalls but the plot was good enough to just cancel all of that out. Not one of my favorite reads but I'd recommend it just to see how good suspense can be.
But once Nellie died, everything picked up and the suspense held me to the page enough that I wanted to keep reading. Just barely. Another pervasive irk was the insistence of people's clothing. Regardless of the POV, both Rose and Sean were exceptionally detailed about what people were wearing. Again, good on the author for being historically accurate, but again I think it was a little too much knowledge transferred to the page for my liking. I got the images the first time around. By the 25th time, I was over it. But the plot, once it picked up with Nellie's death, I was able to push aside these issues that I had and it kept me engaged in the story.
For all of the rather useless information that was dumped throughout, Dahme definitely knows how to write suspense. I absolutely wanted to know if Sean had ulterior motives and if Patrick really was the slime that he appeared to be. I really did want to find out who was behind Nellie's death and whether Patrick's faithful housemaid was just a bit touched or if she was really dangerous.
Really, the best part was how Dahme connected something as innocuous as water filtration to something sinister. It's so subtle yet so horrifying but absolutely believable. In people's bids for power and money, I wouldn't put it past them to make sacrifices out of others. It's been done before and I have no doubt it'll be done again. So while Dahme was heavy-handed with the water works information at the beginning, it did serve a bit of a purpose later on in the story. I think it would have been just as effective without so much but since she's heavy into Philadelphia's water treatment herself, I think it's only natural that it would be front and center in a story like this.
The most infuriating part of the story for me was Rose's insistence at defending her husband despite all of the evidence overwhelming him. Maybe it was a voice of the time, which I do believe. But I'd like to think that even women who were bred to stand by their man would exhibit some kind of independent thought. And since we get to be in Rose's head for half the story, you'd be able to see if something like that cropped up. But how she'd melt at a touch from her husband and forget her worries made me want to scream. I couldn't stand it. It did get very bad towards the end and really colored my vision of Rose but keeping the time in mind, I'm wondering how many options she actually had.
The ending I found both too easy and nominally satisfying. It's a decent juxtaposition. I don't want to spoil it so I'll just say that it wrapped up really abruptly and I think it gave Rose an easy way out. It saved her from actually having to fight and stand up to anyone. That bothered me. But at the same time she did stand up to people, as much as a woman of that time could. So can I really fault her for not being stronger? I don't know. But I was, in some part of me, satisfied with the ending. It rounded out the story nicely and left Rose's life open. It ended in a good spot.
Overall, the suspense was good and if you stick with the plot, it will pick itself up pretty nicely. The story had it's pitfalls but the plot was good enough to just cancel all of that out. Not one of my favorite reads but I'd recommend it just to see how good suspense can be.
January 8, 2011
*4.5*
Joanne Dahme's Contagion is one the best historical fiction books I've read in a long time. Deeply compelling, mysterious, and romantic, Contagion takes the reader back to 19th century Philadelphia where a scandal is just about to break out.
Contagion tells the story of Rose and Sean with alternating perspectives. To the untrained eye, Rose is a girl who seems to have it all- a rich husband, a life filled with riches, a best friend, and best of all, a cause to devote her time to. Though, underneath it all Rose's life isn't all that peachy. For one, her husband isn't nearly as great as he seems, instead he's coming home with another woman's perfume on him, and he treats Rose like she's his property. And when Rose begins to receive mysterious, scary letters and tragedy strikes, Rose's husband puts it off as nothing. But Rose knows there's more it. It must involve Philadelphia's much talked about water, so she recruits Sean, the sweet and kind local water plant owner, and soon they are on a mission to discover the culprit behind it all. Though, is she ready to find out the truth, especially when it may just contain her husband as well? Only time will tell in this page-turning of a read!
One of my favorite parts of Contagion was the setting. I thought Joanne did a fantastic job of setting the scene in a way that informed the reader of the different problems that faced Philadelphia and its water in the 19th century, as well as using it as a tool to compel the reader into becoming thoroughly immersed in the story at hand.
I also adored the characters. Rose is a strong and smart girl, even though I sometimes wanted to shake her on shoulders for believing all the lies and slander her husband told to her. Though, when taking in the time this story occurs, I understand why she wouldn't want to go against his word because it truly mean the end of everything for her, and it also helped that when it boiled down to it she rose to the task and discovered the truth behind it all. Another character I enjoyed in this story was Sean because he was also fearless and brave. He's a guy I would want on my side if something happened, so I was so glad when Rose brought him into it all, especially when their friendship began to develop into something grand and fun to read about.
Lastly, even though the plot of this was a bit predictable at times, it still kept me reading non-stop, because I couldn't want to see how everything ended. Would Rose and Sean get a chance of something more? Was Rose's husband really as evil as he seemed, and if so, would he face the punishment disturbed? And what really was causing all the death and destruction in Philly? The water or something even more sinister? Those were all questions constantly running in my head as the story progressed, and I have to say Joanne did a great job of answering them through her writing.
In all, if you're an avid fan of historical fiction or would just like to try something new, this is the book for you! Well written, compelling, and mysterious, Contagion is a book that will keep you up well into the night.
Grade: A-
Joanne Dahme's Contagion is one the best historical fiction books I've read in a long time. Deeply compelling, mysterious, and romantic, Contagion takes the reader back to 19th century Philadelphia where a scandal is just about to break out.
Contagion tells the story of Rose and Sean with alternating perspectives. To the untrained eye, Rose is a girl who seems to have it all- a rich husband, a life filled with riches, a best friend, and best of all, a cause to devote her time to. Though, underneath it all Rose's life isn't all that peachy. For one, her husband isn't nearly as great as he seems, instead he's coming home with another woman's perfume on him, and he treats Rose like she's his property. And when Rose begins to receive mysterious, scary letters and tragedy strikes, Rose's husband puts it off as nothing. But Rose knows there's more it. It must involve Philadelphia's much talked about water, so she recruits Sean, the sweet and kind local water plant owner, and soon they are on a mission to discover the culprit behind it all. Though, is she ready to find out the truth, especially when it may just contain her husband as well? Only time will tell in this page-turning of a read!
One of my favorite parts of Contagion was the setting. I thought Joanne did a fantastic job of setting the scene in a way that informed the reader of the different problems that faced Philadelphia and its water in the 19th century, as well as using it as a tool to compel the reader into becoming thoroughly immersed in the story at hand.
I also adored the characters. Rose is a strong and smart girl, even though I sometimes wanted to shake her on shoulders for believing all the lies and slander her husband told to her. Though, when taking in the time this story occurs, I understand why she wouldn't want to go against his word because it truly mean the end of everything for her, and it also helped that when it boiled down to it she rose to the task and discovered the truth behind it all. Another character I enjoyed in this story was Sean because he was also fearless and brave. He's a guy I would want on my side if something happened, so I was so glad when Rose brought him into it all, especially when their friendship began to develop into something grand and fun to read about.
Lastly, even though the plot of this was a bit predictable at times, it still kept me reading non-stop, because I couldn't want to see how everything ended. Would Rose and Sean get a chance of something more? Was Rose's husband really as evil as he seemed, and if so, would he face the punishment disturbed? And what really was causing all the death and destruction in Philly? The water or something even more sinister? Those were all questions constantly running in my head as the story progressed, and I have to say Joanne did a great job of answering them through her writing.
In all, if you're an avid fan of historical fiction or would just like to try something new, this is the book for you! Well written, compelling, and mysterious, Contagion is a book that will keep you up well into the night.
Grade: A-
August 14, 2016
It's 1895, almost a new century and Philadelphia is a rapidly changing city. Irish families like Rose's are becoming more respectable all the time. Her husband Patrick is a top contractor in the city and he wants to win the contract to construct a brand new water filtration plant. Rose and her best friend Nellie are on a committee of concerned citizens who want to preserve the city's parks, including the old water works. Sean, a manger at the water works, loves the old park and the old machinery. He feels the solution to the problem is not a modern filtration plant but to enforce the city's sewer laws to keep people from dumping refuse into the city's water supply. Unfortunately for Sean, powerful men are dead set on the new filtration plant. When Rose recieves threatening notes directed at her husband, she's scared but Patrick doesn't want to involve the police. Then tragedy strikes close to Rose's heart and she feels that someone is trying to hurt her and the dastardly act may have been connected to the notes. Rose defies her husband and turns to a sympathetic police officer and homicide detective for help. Sean finds himself attracted to Rose and wanting to keep her safe. Rose is fond of Sean too but she's a married woman so there can be nothing more than friendship. Then a deadly outbreak of Typhoid seems to threaten everything and everyone. It seems that someone will stop at nothing to get what they want - not even murder.
This novel reads more like an adult novel. There's lots of violence and dramatic moments that kept me reading far too late at night. I could not put the book down until everything was resolved. The description of the Water Works is beautiful and so detailed I can almost picture it. The book seems well-researched but there isn't an author's note to tell the reader where fact meets fiction. I felt really bad for Rose being a woman in the nineteenth century and unable to really fight for herself. The villain is truly supremely awful and the outcome of the plot is a bit shocking but realistic. I would have liked one more chapter as an epilogue to tell how things turn out ever after. I think realistically, a different outcome would probably happen than the one hinted at on the last page but it wrapped up everything nicely.
I enjoyed this thriller and learned a lot too. To learn more visit Fairmount Water Works, Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center and Drinking Water and Public Health in 19th Century Philadelphia. For more on Laurel Hill Cemetery see this exhibit by the Library Company of Philadelphia.
This novel reads more like an adult novel. There's lots of violence and dramatic moments that kept me reading far too late at night. I could not put the book down until everything was resolved. The description of the Water Works is beautiful and so detailed I can almost picture it. The book seems well-researched but there isn't an author's note to tell the reader where fact meets fiction. I felt really bad for Rose being a woman in the nineteenth century and unable to really fight for herself. The villain is truly supremely awful and the outcome of the plot is a bit shocking but realistic. I would have liked one more chapter as an epilogue to tell how things turn out ever after. I think realistically, a different outcome would probably happen than the one hinted at on the last page but it wrapped up everything nicely.
I enjoyed this thriller and learned a lot too. To learn more visit Fairmount Water Works, Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center and Drinking Water and Public Health in 19th Century Philadelphia. For more on Laurel Hill Cemetery see this exhibit by the Library Company of Philadelphia.
January 2, 2015
THE TWEET
A young girl adjusts to marriage, while fighting her attraction to another man, & investigating deadly outbreak in 19th cent. Philadelphia.
WHAT WORKED
I liked how this book was straight up suspense/mystery. I've been reading a lot of paranormal YA recently and I love the genre, but it was nice to step away from that and read something different. Plus, I grew up reading mystery novels and it was great to "get back to my roots," so to speak.
I also really liked Patrick's character. He's the quintessential person readers will love to hate. In Patrick, Dahme created a complex and interesting character. To everyone but his wife Rose, he was condescending, full of himself and slightly bigoted. But he was a great character because he was able to put forth a loving facade to Rose, despite his true personality. Even when Rose first became suspicious of his actions, he was able to convince her, for a time, that he was a good person.
The descriptions of the city of Philadelphia, particularly the Water Works, were very well written. As a native Philadelphian, it was great to imagine the city during a different century and to see it through Rose's eyes. I admit, I knew very little about the Water Works, prior to reading Contagion, but the novel created an interest in me to learn more about what was a pivotal part of Philadelphia during the 19th century.
OVERALL
Dahme has written a great mystery set in 19th century Philadelphia. She is able to capture a reader's attention with wonderful characters and plot development, as well as suspenseful scenes.
MY RATING
A young girl adjusts to marriage, while fighting her attraction to another man, & investigating deadly outbreak in 19th cent. Philadelphia.
WHAT WORKED
I liked how this book was straight up suspense/mystery. I've been reading a lot of paranormal YA recently and I love the genre, but it was nice to step away from that and read something different. Plus, I grew up reading mystery novels and it was great to "get back to my roots," so to speak.
I also really liked Patrick's character. He's the quintessential person readers will love to hate. In Patrick, Dahme created a complex and interesting character. To everyone but his wife Rose, he was condescending, full of himself and slightly bigoted. But he was a great character because he was able to put forth a loving facade to Rose, despite his true personality. Even when Rose first became suspicious of his actions, he was able to convince her, for a time, that he was a good person.
The descriptions of the city of Philadelphia, particularly the Water Works, were very well written. As a native Philadelphian, it was great to imagine the city during a different century and to see it through Rose's eyes. I admit, I knew very little about the Water Works, prior to reading Contagion, but the novel created an interest in me to learn more about what was a pivotal part of Philadelphia during the 19th century.
OVERALL
Dahme has written a great mystery set in 19th century Philadelphia. She is able to capture a reader's attention with wonderful characters and plot development, as well as suspenseful scenes.
MY RATING
December 1, 2010
What really got me spurring about this book was the dirty little secrets Patrick carried around with him. All the time as I was reading, I was angry at him. But he did entertain me and kept me well on my toes.
After losing her best friend, Rose is troubled by her husband's misgivings. Things are not the same with him. Threatening letters are being sent to her and she has begged her husband to do something about it but all he does if ignore her suspicions. All of the sudden, he's mean, contradicting, smells like perfume, and is planning something that she just can't quite get her fingers on. Will Rose figure out what her husband is up to?
My goodness this book was just exciting! I love Rose. Her character is strong and did not give up the fight even when her life was hanging in the balance. Rose did everything she could to figure out what her dirty sneaky husband was up to. That rat bleep. I couldn't believe the crap he was pulling. I serioulsy wanted to go into the book and chop his freaking bleep off. Rose kept me steady and secure while reading this.
There were so many suspicions in here I was astounded as to how many people were actually involve in this whole charade. I had my suspicions but man! I was just taken back by the amount of secrets that were spilled.
While I despised her husband, Sean was a great refreshment. He was one that was truly a keeper. He cared for Rose and knew exactly where to find her when danger was lurking around. The fight scene was a plus. I was glad that he gave Patrick a good punch or two.
The whole plot, drama was well played out and kept me entertained. I love how everything was tied and how it ended. It was all good and work out great. If you like historicals with a good mystery read this book. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. I think this was one book that I found myself actually yelling at the book!
After losing her best friend, Rose is troubled by her husband's misgivings. Things are not the same with him. Threatening letters are being sent to her and she has begged her husband to do something about it but all he does if ignore her suspicions. All of the sudden, he's mean, contradicting, smells like perfume, and is planning something that she just can't quite get her fingers on. Will Rose figure out what her husband is up to?
My goodness this book was just exciting! I love Rose. Her character is strong and did not give up the fight even when her life was hanging in the balance. Rose did everything she could to figure out what her dirty sneaky husband was up to. That rat bleep. I couldn't believe the crap he was pulling. I serioulsy wanted to go into the book and chop his freaking bleep off. Rose kept me steady and secure while reading this.
There were so many suspicions in here I was astounded as to how many people were actually involve in this whole charade. I had my suspicions but man! I was just taken back by the amount of secrets that were spilled.
While I despised her husband, Sean was a great refreshment. He was one that was truly a keeper. He cared for Rose and knew exactly where to find her when danger was lurking around. The fight scene was a plus. I was glad that he gave Patrick a good punch or two.
The whole plot, drama was well played out and kept me entertained. I love how everything was tied and how it ended. It was all good and work out great. If you like historicals with a good mystery read this book. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. I think this was one book that I found myself actually yelling at the book!
November 16, 2010
My Review:
CONTAGION is full of interesting characters that inhabit historical Philadelphia on the precipice of a typhoid outbreak. Even though the story is seen in alternating chapters, through the eyes of Rose Dugan and Sean Parker, it's not just their personalities and viewpoints that are expressed throughout the book. Rose's husband, Patrick is an almost overwhelming character, in terms of his attitude and influence. I felt that even Rose's friend, Nellie Murphy, had distinctive characterization, for the brief time that she appears in the book.
Perhaps because of the historical setting, I felt that there was a lyrical aspect to the language in CONTAGION. I have encountered this in novels that have a contemporary setting (MAGGIE STIEFVATER!), but Joanne Dahme clearly has her finger on the right ebb and flow of the English language during this time, as well as the rhythm of the inner dialogue of her characters.
And, that comes to the heart of my feelings while reading CONTAGION. There was a flow to the book, almost like a body of water. Almost like the Schuylkill River, that plays such a big part within the pages, in the debate about filtration and disease. There were times that I read it slowly, savoring every word. There were times that I sped through the pages, anxious to see what was going to happen next. But always, I was entranced by the story and its ultimate outcome.
4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12/15
Highly Recommend, if you liked:
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
CONTAGION is full of interesting characters that inhabit historical Philadelphia on the precipice of a typhoid outbreak. Even though the story is seen in alternating chapters, through the eyes of Rose Dugan and Sean Parker, it's not just their personalities and viewpoints that are expressed throughout the book. Rose's husband, Patrick is an almost overwhelming character, in terms of his attitude and influence. I felt that even Rose's friend, Nellie Murphy, had distinctive characterization, for the brief time that she appears in the book.
Perhaps because of the historical setting, I felt that there was a lyrical aspect to the language in CONTAGION. I have encountered this in novels that have a contemporary setting (MAGGIE STIEFVATER!), but Joanne Dahme clearly has her finger on the right ebb and flow of the English language during this time, as well as the rhythm of the inner dialogue of her characters.
And, that comes to the heart of my feelings while reading CONTAGION. There was a flow to the book, almost like a body of water. Almost like the Schuylkill River, that plays such a big part within the pages, in the debate about filtration and disease. There were times that I read it slowly, savoring every word. There were times that I sped through the pages, anxious to see what was going to happen next. But always, I was entranced by the story and its ultimate outcome.
4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12/15
Highly Recommend, if you liked:
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2011
For as long as she can remember, Rose has been promised to Patrick Dugan, a liaison forged between their two prominent Philadelphia Irish families. Once married to him she finds herself mistress of a grand home and a staff of servants.
But their marriage also began with sadness, as Rose’s parents both died from typhoid and Patrick’s parents were felled by accidents. Now the threat of typhoid is being raised again—by Patrick who wants a lucrative city contract to build filtration ponds to prevent it. The city waterworks bureau, and its dedicated guardian, Sean, maintains the water can be safe without the ponds if pollution can be kept from it.
The conflict spills into Rose’s life when a series of threatening letters warn her husband to stop his efforts. Then her best friend Nellie is murdered. With the help of the police and of Sean, Rose searches for Nellie’s murderer and puts her own life in danger in the process.
Contagion by Joanne Dahme is set in the late 1800s, a time when cities were trying to figure out how to accommodate industrial growth while maintaining the integrity of their water supply. Through Rose’s eyes we see both the beauty and grandeur of Philadelphia at the time and the seedier side of life that was reality for many workers. It was also a time of political and police corruption that often led to back-room deals that had little to do with the population’s welfare.
Part historical fiction, part mystery, Contagion will have you wanting to savor the details while you also long to flip pages furiously and find out what happens. I recommend it for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 14 and up.
But their marriage also began with sadness, as Rose’s parents both died from typhoid and Patrick’s parents were felled by accidents. Now the threat of typhoid is being raised again—by Patrick who wants a lucrative city contract to build filtration ponds to prevent it. The city waterworks bureau, and its dedicated guardian, Sean, maintains the water can be safe without the ponds if pollution can be kept from it.
The conflict spills into Rose’s life when a series of threatening letters warn her husband to stop his efforts. Then her best friend Nellie is murdered. With the help of the police and of Sean, Rose searches for Nellie’s murderer and puts her own life in danger in the process.
Contagion by Joanne Dahme is set in the late 1800s, a time when cities were trying to figure out how to accommodate industrial growth while maintaining the integrity of their water supply. Through Rose’s eyes we see both the beauty and grandeur of Philadelphia at the time and the seedier side of life that was reality for many workers. It was also a time of political and police corruption that often led to back-room deals that had little to do with the population’s welfare.
Part historical fiction, part mystery, Contagion will have you wanting to savor the details while you also long to flip pages furiously and find out what happens. I recommend it for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 14 and up.
August 11, 2016
Plot summary: It's been a year since 18 year old Rose married the powerful Patrick Dugan. Promised to him by her parents at the age of 13, Patrick is all Rose has ever known. But Rose's passion for obtaining clean water for Philadelphia through education and sewer systems clashes with her husband's desire to gain the government contracts for implementing water filtration systems. With the threat of typhoid on the horizon and a case of mistaken identity leading to death, Rose must work with Sean Parker, engineer from the water board, to uncover what is really happening.
Thoughts: I liked the idea of this much more than the execution. In many ways, the story would have seemed far more plausible if Rose and Sean were five years older than they were written. Yes, times were different in the late nineteenth century. But it seems highly unlikely that a 15 year old assistant would rise, in a mere five years, to be the engineer overseeing Philadelphia's Water Works.
There's a LOT of detail about water processing and filtration, and quite a bit about typhoid. The details about every single outfit that every character is wearing became irritating, as did Rose's constant defence of her husband, despite overwhelming evidence that he's a slimeball. (After reading that he had a walking stick with the head of a snake, I couldn't help but picture Patrick as Lucius Malfoy).
Overall, it was a story that had potential. It just got too bogged down in the petty details to really flow.
Thoughts: I liked the idea of this much more than the execution. In many ways, the story would have seemed far more plausible if Rose and Sean were five years older than they were written. Yes, times were different in the late nineteenth century. But it seems highly unlikely that a 15 year old assistant would rise, in a mere five years, to be the engineer overseeing Philadelphia's Water Works.
There's a LOT of detail about water processing and filtration, and quite a bit about typhoid. The details about every single outfit that every character is wearing became irritating, as did Rose's constant defence of her husband, despite overwhelming evidence that he's a slimeball. (After reading that he had a walking stick with the head of a snake, I couldn't help but picture Patrick as Lucius Malfoy).
Overall, it was a story that had potential. It just got too bogged down in the petty details to really flow.
December 2, 2011
Sometimes it seems as though within the historical fiction genre, the same few stories are repeated over and over again. When I heard about the premise for Contagion, I was immediately intrigued because it sounded so different. Although Contagion was a fast-paced and entertaining read, Dahme’s characterization left something to be desired.
I really enjoyed the plot of Contagion. It’s the only YA book I can immediately think of which deals with the subject of a plague or water contamination. The one issue I had with the plot was that I didn’t know much about the subject going in, which made it harder for me to appreciate this story. I think this novel could have benefited from an author’s note which provided more information on the non-fictitious parts of the story.
What kept me from really enjoying Contagion was the characters, several of which felt flat. I think Dahme managed to create a complete cast of characters. However, Rose, Sean, and Patrick all felt a bit one-dimensional to me.
Contagion falls under the liked-it-but-didn’t-love-it category for me. I’m glad I decided to pick this one up, but it wasn’t the perfect read for me. I’d be willing to try more of Dahme’s work in the future to see if her character development improves, though, so perhaps I’ll keep an eye out.
I really enjoyed the plot of Contagion. It’s the only YA book I can immediately think of which deals with the subject of a plague or water contamination. The one issue I had with the plot was that I didn’t know much about the subject going in, which made it harder for me to appreciate this story. I think this novel could have benefited from an author’s note which provided more information on the non-fictitious parts of the story.
What kept me from really enjoying Contagion was the characters, several of which felt flat. I think Dahme managed to create a complete cast of characters. However, Rose, Sean, and Patrick all felt a bit one-dimensional to me.
Contagion falls under the liked-it-but-didn’t-love-it category for me. I’m glad I decided to pick this one up, but it wasn’t the perfect read for me. I’d be willing to try more of Dahme’s work in the future to see if her character development improves, though, so perhaps I’ll keep an eye out.
October 29, 2010
A murder, a contamination, and a mystery all in one nicely wrapped package. The premise of the storyline with the contamination of the city’s water supply is original and something that has happened time and time again, yet this one is with a twist and it’s personal. Dahme’s attention to detail is shown through her knowledge of the water supply system and also through the detail of the clothing and mannerisms of the characters. At times the details of all of the different jackets Rose wore became overkill and took away from the real story.
There is a love story twisted into the book as well and we see most of it from Sean’s view as every other chapter is written from his perspective of things. The book is listed in the young adult genre which I found odd. Yes, the main character is younger, but it’s set back in the 19th century where girls were married off when they were young. For a young adult novel I would have preferred more about the relationships of the characters and less about the politics that were surrounding each situation. However, the conclusion of the book is reached with such precision that the flaws are quickly forgiven.
There is a love story twisted into the book as well and we see most of it from Sean’s view as every other chapter is written from his perspective of things. The book is listed in the young adult genre which I found odd. Yes, the main character is younger, but it’s set back in the 19th century where girls were married off when they were young. For a young adult novel I would have preferred more about the relationships of the characters and less about the politics that were surrounding each situation. However, the conclusion of the book is reached with such precision that the flaws are quickly forgiven.
July 26, 2011
So flowery, over-written, and slow paced, I couldn't read it. And I hate that because the premise is interesting (but doesn't make up for the fact that 3/4 of what I read should have been on the cutting room floor.).
Examples of the overwriting? "Her red hair appeared to blaze in the wash of sunlight." "I heard my voice rise defensively, buffeted by a wave of annoyance." "His eyes, which took on the shade of twilight shadows, shone beneath the light of the hallway chandelier with their usual zeal" ~~These were all from the same page. And you'll notice they are descriptions. ALL descriptions in the book are handled this way.
And then the character development and pacing and backstory is so bad that I feel a need to set the entire thing ablaze in the wash of my own sunlight.
Definitely a pass from me.
Examples of the overwriting? "Her red hair appeared to blaze in the wash of sunlight." "I heard my voice rise defensively, buffeted by a wave of annoyance." "His eyes, which took on the shade of twilight shadows, shone beneath the light of the hallway chandelier with their usual zeal" ~~These were all from the same page. And you'll notice they are descriptions. ALL descriptions in the book are handled this way.
And then the character development and pacing and backstory is so bad that I feel a need to set the entire thing ablaze in the wash of my own sunlight.
Definitely a pass from me.
March 20, 2014
I liked this book but I didn't really really like is so 3.5 stars. It was interesting, set in 1895 in Philadelphia so there were some interesting words I had to look up because I wasn't sure what they meant, mostly articles of clothing. Rose Dugan is married to one of the city's most successful contractors. Her husband, Patrick, is trying to build filtration plants for city to help deal with typhoid.Patrick is willing to do anything to get those contracts--which puts Rose and those around her in danger. Dun-dun-dun!
The thing I kept forgetting is how young these characters are. Rose is only 18, her husband is 25, and the other main character Sean is 20! They seemed much older than that in the book.
The story was interesting, it had corruption, intrigue, murder and just a touch of potential romance. All in all a pleasant read.
The thing I kept forgetting is how young these characters are. Rose is only 18, her husband is 25, and the other main character Sean is 20! They seemed much older than that in the book.
The story was interesting, it had corruption, intrigue, murder and just a touch of potential romance. All in all a pleasant read.
March 29, 2011
For Young Adult Readers:
A melodrama set in Philadelphia in the late 1800's this story features romance, greed and skullduggery.
The main story revolves around an ambitious young Irishman who marries up in order to promote himself into higher society. Patrick Dugan is not what he seems, and his sweet young wife Rose gradually begins to suspect he is up to no good. Told in alternating voices--that of Rose, and handsome young Sean who works at the water supply plant, and who doesn't trust Dugan--the tension builds as anonymous threats and an accidental death occur...Or maybe this death is no accident? Although the story takes a bit too long to play out, this will appeal to strong girl readers in grade 7 to 9/10.
A melodrama set in Philadelphia in the late 1800's this story features romance, greed and skullduggery.
The main story revolves around an ambitious young Irishman who marries up in order to promote himself into higher society. Patrick Dugan is not what he seems, and his sweet young wife Rose gradually begins to suspect he is up to no good. Told in alternating voices--that of Rose, and handsome young Sean who works at the water supply plant, and who doesn't trust Dugan--the tension builds as anonymous threats and an accidental death occur...Or maybe this death is no accident? Although the story takes a bit too long to play out, this will appeal to strong girl readers in grade 7 to 9/10.
April 10, 2014
Okay, this book should really be a 2...because it wasn't good at all. Holy purple prose, batman. Especially from a male POV. BUT it read and was built exactly like a cheesy 1950s romance movie. And those are such a guilty pleasure of mine, thus this book being one too. I appreciate the different plot - an actual conflict and not just the obstacles of a romance, and the setting. And, no spoilers, but I did very much like the pacing of the romance between Sean and Rose. I know, though, that this book will appeal to very few people. Fortunately I am one of them, but it's a shame the writing mucked it up at parts.
June 23, 2011
I think this story is a great blend of fiction and history, relating some forgotten episodes in Philadelphia's past while adding human drama through the fictional and fictionalized characters interacting. A very enjoyable read that keeps you turning the pages.
July 4, 2012
Not what I expected, but quite good! I pegged it for a historical novel, maybe a bit of romance being found in a time of despair (typhoid), but it's actually something of a mystery novel, which I quite enjoyed. It had a few good plot twists that I didn't see coming.
June 9, 2012
I loved the book. It had the perfect amount of action and emotion. Although the main character was a mary-sue, she didn't take away too much from the book.
overall it was good and i'll give it 4 stars
overall it was good and i'll give it 4 stars
November 8, 2010
2.5 stars.
May 1, 2012
A little too predictable for my liking but fairly readable.
May 28, 2013
I could not get into this book. I tried, set it aside, and then tried again. Great premise, but it didn't hook me.
February 8, 2014
Meh. I read the first two chapters and was so bored I did something I've never done before: I skipped to the end, read the last three chapters and called it a day.
June 12, 2016
I couldn't get into this book. I have never started a book that I couldn't finish until now. I only made it through about 100 pages before giving up.
January 26, 2017
Some details are a bit vague, some things a bit pat. Characters felt a little like from a mold.
B-
B-
April 5, 2018
The premise was interesting, but certain characters we were supposed to sympathize with were obnoxious. Would have liked to have seen a note on how Philadelphia's water system works today.
February 20, 2025
Great story. I hated every single time Rose chose to believe or go back with Patrick but it must be very hard to accept a person you've known your whole life, been promised to for years, has been your husband for year, and is your only living family is capable of true evil. Especially when you're only 18. Patrick was a cruel and evil man who managed to hide his intentions and emotions well, and managed to make more of a mess by the greed of politicians and other society men, along with his housekeeper Martha who seems to have a weird obsession with him. Rose while immature, is only 18, will do well for herself in the future as she is capable of being a strong independent woman once she knows there are those out there who care for her and believe in her. I did thoroughly enjoy the city water works component of the story as keeping pollution out of the waterways is an extremely important topic and it was very well explained and thought through.
While typhoid is important to the overall story and typhoid kills many people in the book, I would not say this book heavily focuses on infectious diseases, disease prevention, or other epidemiology and microbiology subjects. I know that that is almost certainly why I bought this book many years ago but it did tell a thoughtful and entertaining story that I didn't feel lacked without the microbiology content I had hoped to read. I'm basically saying once I got a few chapters in I forgot I started this book hoping for some microbiology and was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the aspects of the book that were included.
While typhoid is important to the overall story and typhoid kills many people in the book, I would not say this book heavily focuses on infectious diseases, disease prevention, or other epidemiology and microbiology subjects. I know that that is almost certainly why I bought this book many years ago but it did tell a thoughtful and entertaining story that I didn't feel lacked without the microbiology content I had hoped to read. I'm basically saying once I got a few chapters in I forgot I started this book hoping for some microbiology and was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the aspects of the book that were included.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews