The Requiem Rose: A Waverly Hills Story

by James Markert

"A compelling and thought-provoking novel that will move and inspire readers of all kinds." -John Burnham Schwartz, author of Reservation Road

When the body fails, you've got two choices. Send the doctor in, or send a prayer up. But when no miracle arrives, how do you pull out a measure of hope?

Music has always been Wolfgang's refuge. It's betraying him now, as he struggles to compose a requiem for his late wife, but surely the right ending will come to him. Certainly it'll come more quickly than a cure for his patients up at Waverly Hills, the tuberculosis hospital, where nearly a body an hour leaves in a coffin. Wolfgang can't seem to save anyone these days, least of all himself.

Sometimes we just need to know we're not the only ones in the fight. A former concert pianist checks in, triggering something deep inside Wolfgang, and spreading from patient to patient. Soon Wolfgang finds himself in the center of an orchestra that won't give up, with music that won't stop. A White Wind Blew delivers a sweeping crescendo of hope in a time of despair, raising compelling questions about faith and confession, music and medicine and the undying force of love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Historical, Ebooks, Music, Adult

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2010

About the author

Also writes under J.H. Markert.

James Markert is a novelist, screenwriter, producer, and USPTA tennis pro from Louisville, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife and two children. He has a history degree from the University of Louisville. He won an IPPY Award for The Requiem Rose, which later became A White Wind Blew. His debut horror novel, The Nightmare Man, written under the pen name JH Markert, will be released in early 2023!

Early reviews for A White Wind Blew:

"Beauifully told...with a historian's eye for detail."
-Robert Hicks, author of The Widow of the South and A Separate Country

"Compelling and thought-provoking."
-John Burnham Schwartz, author of Reservation Road and Northwest Corner

Reviews

[Genevieve Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

Beautiful, beautiful book. James Markert masterfully paints a time and a place most people would like to forget and makes it a place where we almost wish we could be. The TB epidemic was a plague, an almost certain death sentence, and yet there were those rare souls who believed it was worth chancing their lives so they could help the victims, possibly even save a few. And within that world, they had their own lives.

Wolfgang Pike is a musician and a doctor. He is also studying to be a priest. But above all he is a man. Emotions squeeze in when he should be thinking science, and bravery often takes the rightful place of caution. He believes in what is now called Music Therapy in a time when it was considered nothing more than folklore … and yet the quick rate of death around the sanitorium takes a little breather when he brings patients together to share music.

There are a few stories in this world where you really can say you laughed and you cried. This was one of those gems. Mr Markert's storytelling is wonderful, taking us from person to person, place to place, touching on such time relevant things as bootlegging, the KKK and extreme prejudice, jazz, the fallout of WW1 in the hearts and bodies of men … and leaves us with the timeless poignancy of love.

I am now going in search of his earlier books and can't wait to dig in.

[Sara Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of White Wind Blew by James Markert in exchange for an honest review.

The book takes place in the early 1920s in Louisville, at Waverly Hills, a tuberculosis sanatorium. When the disease flares up, the town becomes terrified and shuns the patients and the staff at the clinic. In addition to dealing with who have been cast out of society due to their condition, Louisville is also dealing with typical 1920s elements like racial tension and prohibition. But, these things are the least of Dr. Wolfgang Pike’s worries since the death of his wife. He is a musical man who has much skill at the piano and is torn between changing the direction of his life to become a priest or bring peace to the suffering patients through music. He knows deep down the dealing power of music and wishes to change lives, but when one particular patient takes stock in the sanatorium, Dr. Pike pushes to the extremes to help the man and in doing so, he breaks down many barriers both inside the center and outside as well.

To say the least, A White Wind Blew was quite the book. When I read the description, I wasn’t quite sure what to think because I am not really into music and have no idea how to play any instruments, but this book took me by complete surprise. This book is historical in certain aspects and really dives into the issues that Waverly Hills faces as far as the tuberculosis goes as well as the racial aspect but also really gives you an inside look at a man who is hurting since the passing of his wife. There is a lot of heart in places that you least expect but James does an amazing job at making it all fit together and creating such a genuine and lovely book. This book is so good.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars: A compelling read about life and death in a sanatorium.

For Dr. Wolfgang Pike, it is a steady stream of death and dying as he makes his daily rounds at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium. He is one of the resident doctors at the facility, and he spends his days administering to those afflicted by tuberculosis. The disease is taking a heavy toll on the population, and people are getting sick and dying in record numbers. Dr. Pike in an attempt to help ease the suffering takes musical requests from the patients. No matter how busy he is, Dr. Pike sees each patient and honors their request. Dr. Pike firmly believes that music will help soothe the soul and give the sick hope. Unfortunately, not everyone shares his beliefs, and he is met with fierce opposition from the chief doctor. Can Dr. Pike's music truly help those suffering from tuberculosis?
What I Liked:
*I must admit that thankfully I was born in the years after a cure for tuberculosis was discovered, and so my knowledge of this dreaded disease is scant. I know that many people throughout history died from this affliction and that it had many names such as consumption, wasting and the white plague. This book was an eye opening experience for me as I gained a greater understanding of just how devastating this disease was, and that we are not that far removed from its deathly clutches. I was absolutely stunned to learn the symptoms of this disease and how it affected patients. This was a very informative read to say the least.
*I appreciated how this book took on so many troublesome issues pertinent to this era. The novel opens in 1929, but it spans back and forth through time to cover the years during World War I and on up to 1929. This book brings forth the ugliness of the war, racism, segregation, religious intolerance, and of course the main focus of tuberculosis. I liked that this book touched on so many of these troubling topics, and even though we have our problems in today's society, they don't begin to compare to the troubles of yesteryear. I am incredibly grateful that there is a cure for tuberculosis.
*I loved that this book tells the story of a doctor who believes firmly in music being able to heal the soul. Dr. Pike despite the odds, brings music to the patients of Waverly and I throughly enjoyed how he brought together a band of sick patients to form a musical group. In the end, he does prove how beneficial music is to the sick patients.
*I completely enjoyed the rich characters in this book. This is definitely one of this books where the secondary characters are as interesting as the main protagonists. From the seven fingered pianist, McVain, to the giant, kind Big Fifteen, and the pregnant Mary Sue and the crazed Herman. Each character had their own story and I loved uncovering their histories. McVain is certainly a character I won't forget anytime soon.
*This is definitely one of those books that I can say will stick with me for a long time to come. It is a poignant tale of survival and death, of hope, cures and redemption and last wishes and dying. This book made me laugh and cry, fiercely angry and sad. It touched me and changed me, and I will not forget the time I spent with all the souls at Waverly. I know that at first glance, you may not be compelled to read this one, but I can whole-heartedly say that I am glad I took a chance and gave this a try. Sure it broke my heart just a little, but I am happy that I was able to go on an incredible journey. Do yourself a favor and take a chance, and try this one.
*Finally, I liked that Mr. Markert included an Epilogue at the end of the book that discussed the inspiration behind the story and the real Waverly. I was fascinated by the information at the end and I am glad that he included it. I would very much like to see those pictures of room 502.
And The Not So Much:
*The biggest complaint I had was that the book does not provide a detailed explanation of tuberculosis, such as what causes it, how it spreads and ultimately how it was cured. I had a vague notion of the disease before going into this one, but once I was immersed in the story, I realized just how scant my knowledge of TB was. I ended up googling it and doing a bit of research after I completed the book. I know I am not the only one who is not completely informed on tuberculosis since, thankfully, it isn't as prevalent anymore. I think if the author had taken the time to provide a brief overview of tuberculosis it would have enhanced my read.
*This book utilizes numerous flashbacks and the story flips back and forth between past and present. While I have no problems with flashbacks in books, I was at times a bit confused because the flashbacks were not always apparent and there was no definite sequence to them. Meaning it could land anywhere back in time and it was not sequential. The flashbacks were not seamlessly integrated and it made it a bit rough at times.
*It ended with a bit of an open ending and though I made up my own mind how Dr. Pike finished his letter, there is always that bit of niggling doubt....I always hate not having a clear cut resolution because it leaves me wondering.

A White Wind Blows was a book that touched my soul and left me changed. I loved the characters and the difficulties they endured as they lived and died in a tuberculosis sanatorium. This book will give you hope and then make you cry. It is definitely a book that I highly recommend and I know I will be thinking about it for weeks to come.
Favorite Quotations:
“Bullets don’t care what color the skin is.”
“My only cure is to make them happy. Make them look forward to opening their eyes the net morning. That is my mission now.”
“But do you believe this musical medicine to have a purpose?”
“I do, Professor.” Wolfgang walked with the books in his arms. “It is not the answer as far as cure, but I do believe it helps the soul, and when the soul is at peace, healing can take place.”

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@ Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Jessica J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A widowed doctor -- who is also a seminary student -- explores the use of music as a method of treating TB patients in 1920s Louisville. Also, the Klan is doing their usual thing.

There wasn't anything particularly wrong or "bad" about this book, I just found it rather boring. The plot moved very slowly and I had trouble getting interested in the characters. I didn't find the writing particularly engaging, and there were some passages that read more like a history text than a novel. It's one of those books that I'd set down and feel no drive to get back to.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I might like this book when I picked it up. Then I read it. I really liked it! I was initially intigued by the juxtaposition of music and a tuberculosis sanatorium. I live 2 hours away from Louisville and never knew that this city had the highest tuberculosis infection rate in the country in the 1920's. While I was pleased with Markert's use of historical background in a truly gripping story, what really grabbed me was what he had to say about faith and doubt, love, and finding a way to live out one's calling from God. "Father"/Doctor Wolfgang Pike is a compelling character, who is able to think and say those things that some of us, as people of faith, are sometimes afraid to think and say. I also loved the way the theme of intolerance wove itself in and out of the story - and wearing so many different faces! Not only will I recommend this book to customers, I'll also be suggesting it for adult Sunday school classes.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A White Wind Blew by James Markert is a story of hope, survival, love and peace set inside of the Waverly Hills Tuberculosis Sanatorium during the 1920’s. Dr. Wolfgang Pike - a widower, aspiring Priest, doctor, musician – tries to use his music to ease the pain of his patient’s souls while they suffer from the illness and pray for healing. In this novel, the tuberculosis patients aren’t the only ones that need healing as Dr. Pike is still reeling from the devastating loss of his wife and seeks comfort from his music and the bottles of liquor the bootleggers are smuggling in for the staff. In 1920’s Louisville, KY the Ku Klux Klan is also prominent and altogether not happy about Dr. Pike and his treatment of the black tuberculosis patients. It’s a rough life at and around the Sanatorium and A White Wind Blew is a depressing book. There is a lot going on within the pages but it is a surprisingly slow read.

This novel is actually quite an enigma. The characters are well-written and there is a lot going on within the story (racial tensions, bootlegging, the effects of World War I, tuberculosis patients, feuding doctors, a widowed doctor trying to overcome the loss of his wife and the painful history with his parents, a new love interest, training to be a Priest) yet it is very slow read. The symptoms of tuberculosis are describe quite graphically at times and treatment for the disease is mentioned in detail but the other parts of the story aren’t given the same attention. The action is slow to occur and then brief unless it is occurring inside of the Sanatorium. The KKK is included in the book but never really feels like it’s fully integrated into the novel (the same can be said for the odd inclusion of gangsters). There was never any aspect of the book that glaringly stood out as not belonging in the pages but there was also never any aspect of the book that grips a reader and keeps them inside the story. It was a slow read that neither excited nor disappointed me. I felt a continued indifference toward the novel despite the emotional context of the plot. There were moments in the book where I know I should have cried (e.g. the deaths of certain characters) yet I couldn’t feel enough sadness. The story just didn’t do enough to capture my emotionally and I never felt invested. I read like a cold observer rather than a deeply connected reader.

When a strange new patient arrives at the Sanatorium open and friendly toward everyone except Dr. Wolfgang Pike the Doctor becomes determined to find a way to reach him. After discovering he is a retired concert pianist Dr. Pike starts a patient orchestra at Waverly Hills to further the use of music to heal the souls of the patients. Considering that tuberculosis is a bacterial infection disease that primarily affects the lungs it is odd to think of these patients forming an orchestra; many of these patients were too weak to even rise out of bed. It felt odd, out of place, like a lot of the rest of the book.

There is nothing I can single out as a reason to dislike the book. The characters, the setting and the motivation behind the plot are all great. The concept is wonderful. I am sure that there will be (and are) readers who will read A White Wind Blew and love it however it didn’t work for me. I was emotionally detached the entire novel and never quite reached a point where I connected. It’s well-written and Markert’s talent for fiction writing is evident, I would certainly read more of his works and I encourage other readers to give A White Wind Blew a chance – it might hook you.

[Jenn Ravey · Rating 4 out of 5]

From thepickygirl.com:

*This book was sent to me by the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, in exchange for an honest review.

In 1920s Louisville, a pall rests over Louisville in the form of Waverly Hills, a tuberculosis sanatorium. Terrified of disease, the town shuns recovered patients as well as those who work at Waverly Hills, knowing survival rates are slim. But disease isn’t the only thing hanging over Louisville – racial tension and Prohibition also hover, and Dr. Wolfgang Pike has seen the best and worst of all three. After losing his wife, Dr. Pike attempts to compose her requiem, but already torn between his desire to become a priest and the desire to heal and bring peace to his patients through music, the music lies unfinished.

Though his boss fights him with every tune, every chord, Wolfgang knows music can lift up those in despair. He’s seen it happen, as has Susannah, the nurse who encourages him, and his patients. When one particularly ornery patient resists, Wolfgang seeks him out, wanting to know his secrets, convinced he can be helped. But as Wolfgang pushes, moving a piano into the hospital and later inviting black musicians to join from the unsanitary segregated hospital below, he encounters forces stronger than Dr. Barker, and Wolfgang must decide if the music he loves is, in fact, capable of healing.

A White Wind Blew was a complete surprise to me. It seems a meek novel, at first, the kind in which race is discussed but not all that fully, where death misses the characters you grow to love, where the main character falls in love and lives happily ever after. I would have hated that novel.

What James Markert has done instead (though a touch haltingly, at times) is to animate the real history of Waverly Hills while also confronting the issues of a conflicted man, a man unsure of who he is but desirous of doing the most good. At the same time, Markert develops Waverly Hills and its residents in ways that are realistic and touching – the couple who meets and marries only to fall ill weeks later; the man devastated by war and unable to play the music he once loved; a black man whose entire family was taken by disease but who serves in defiance of it and who acts as go between for the two hospitals. Markert lends them a dignity no one else at the time does, and my only critique would be that I’d love to delve deeper into his cast of characters.

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

See original review below. Our book club did read this novel: 2 of us thought it was one of the best books we'd read, and 2 of us really enjoyed it! And...Mr. Markert was generous enough to speak with us for 25 minutes during our discussion! That makes it extra special for us! And what a kind and considerate man! He was actually calling from a hotel lobby since his room was not ready for him yet. How nice is that? There are not enough positive adjectives for me to adequately describe this book--it has it all, in my opinion. The characterization and place setting immerse you into the world of the Waverly Hills TB sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky in post-WW I U.S. While this may appear to be an unlikely premise, I believe most people will find that this book is not only enjoyable but informative, and far-reaching beyond the world of the sanatorium or even Louisville. And, if your book club chooses to read and discuss it, please try to speak with Mr. Markert; he adds extra dimensions to the text. 'Nuff said. See my full review/blog post at Smoke & Mirrors at http://books-n-music.blogspot.com/201....

I'm so excited!! I entered myself in a drawing for a free copy of this book and although I wasn't notified in advance, a free copy arrived in the mail today (March 23)!! This is almost as good as working a shift at Borders and getting to pick among the free ARCs and new releases was!! Whoo! Whoo! Posted my review once and it didn't take, so am trying again... :) Upon reading the synopsis, before I entered myself to win a free copy, my thought was "This had better be one helluva writer to make this work"...and the good news is...James Markert did exactly that, in my opinion! I particularly appreciated the setting--in the same geographic area as my "hometown," as well as the fascinating historical information, all combined into an intriguing rendering of these people's lives in this post-WW I time period. The reader directly experiences many issues of the day through these fascinatingly ordinary, yet complex characters. This is one of my favorite books and I hope our book club will read it! It is definitely a worthwhile investment of time! I would welcome a sequel, Mr. Markert...just sayin'...

[DENISA HOWE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A White Wind Blew reminds me of a classic, written exceptionally and leaves a definite impression on the reader. This book brought out the affects of war, racial discrimination, intolerance, isolation, separation, religious hopes and failures and the unknowing along with the deadly outbreak of tuberculosis. In all of this are authentic characters that you laugh and cry with and even bow your head in prayers with. Human compassion lived and acted through music, readings and just simply being there.
The main character a physician loves music and longs for the church; to return and be a priest but he is needed by many and he has empathy for those around him not only what they need but what they desire. Even the passing of his friend, another physician makes him stronger to do what he can and stay steadfast. Each patient he visits has a story from the old friend the doctor to the young married couple and the nurse that helps him bring him the requests of the dying. A story, a poem or music played on the violin and even slipping a small swig of whiskey as a special request was always delivered with love for his fellowman. The story of these within the pages are simple, sad, happy and of life.
I closed the last page with a new understanding of a time before mine not just a single happening but a part of life that touched many on a lot of different levels. It also left me with sadness, the end of a great man who spoke few words, but said so much through his actions. If only he could have lived on a few more chapters…
I received this book via goodreads and cannot express the appreciation I feel for the chance to read such a masterful writing.

[Cheryl A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set at Waverly Hills Sanatorium, outside Louisville, Kentucky during the 1920's, this novel tells the story of one man who is trying to find his place in the world. Dr Wolfgang Pike has spent the last few years at Waverly, helping to fight tuberculosis. In a place where people are dying daily, Dr Pike is blending faith, medicine and music together to ease the suffering and give patients hope.

Louisville had the highest national infection rate of TB during the 1920's and Waverly Hills was a real hospital. The author gives a wonderful overview of the treatment of the disease as well as intergrating the cultural aspects of the time into his story. Bootlegging, racial prejudice and WWI all play a part in the novel.

The novel focuses on Dr Pike and the author has created a complex character who is trying to balance his faith, his grief for his dead wife and his belief that music helps those who are suffering. When a new patient arrives who is a musician as well as a pain the rear, Dr Pike is challenged on his inability to committ to either his music or his faith.

This was a quick, engaging read. The author did a wonderful job of bringing the fictional characters to life while respectfully paying homage to the work done at the hospital during its heyday. The characters are flawed and honest, the situations bleak, yet often heartwarming.

[Michaella Gibney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't picked up a book in years but when I got a hold of this one I couldn't put it down! Such tragedy and love. I recently went on a tour of Waverly Hills (inspired after reading the book). Wow, I felt like I could see all the characters there - what it would have been like. The owners are trying to make this site a hotel and if/when this happens they MUST have A White Wind Blew available.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author James Markert, was able to combine a love story,music,medical information and insight concerning patients at Waverly Tuberculosis Sanatorium. He also developed a character who happened
to be a doctor studying for the priesthood. All this occurred during the time of prohibition and
racial unrest. Believe me, it was quite and interesting story.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WHITE WIND BLEW by James Markert

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the wonderful ARC audiobook.

Narration by Nick Mondelli was spot on and I enjoyed listening to it. A laudable reading.

This book was published in 2013 and the audiobook will be released on June 11, 2024. A White Wind Blew is James Markert’s first novel. I was impressed by this debut book and thought the writing and story was told beautifully, bringing the characters to life. I love when I find a new author for me. I look forward to reading more from this talented author. When I want to keep reading/listening to a book, is an indication of a good and entertaining read.

Set in the 1920s in a tuberculosis hospital, Waverly Hills, in Louisville, Kentucky. A White Wind Blew follows Wolfgang Pike, a doctor, musician, and seminary student, on his journey of healing and self-discovery. I thought the “musical medicine” that Dr. Pike used along with his love of God, was therapy for lifting their spirits. I found this to be an interesting concept. Some may think this trivialized this “dark period” in our history, but I thought it a most comforting and humanely therapeutic style of care in addition to the medicinal care they were given; even if it is fictional. I believe later in time, music was incorporated into care for patients suffering with whatever ailments they had. Waverly Hills was a sanatorium in Kentucky that housed TB patients and the rest of the story James Markert took the liberty authors are allowed in historical fiction.

Although filled with death and disease there is a surprising amount of hope too. Themes of, tuberculosis, prohibition, war, racism, the KKK, faith, love, loss, and musical therapy are interwoven throughout this book.

[Moana Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this book is historical fiction, it is not hard to imagine the story actually happening. It is set in the city where I currently live and the author name drops a lot of sites that one should visit if ever in town. The story neatly ties local history to national history by touching on Prohibition, Al Capone and race relations.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warmest welcome to all of our readers today as we discuss our MomAdvice Book Club pick for the month of March. I am particularly honored to have James Markert sharing his own thoughts on his book with us and I hope you will find his answers as fascinating as I have!

Tuberculosis and how this illness affects its patients, and those that love them, are often the central focus of this book.  After I finished reading this and then reading the historical notes about Waverly Place, I immediately went in search of more information about the illness and the backdrop for this book. Although the book goes into great detail of symptoms of TB and what the patients experience, it does not delve into why people have it because, in this time period of the book, people do not know how to cure it or why it lies dormant in some, while killing others.

Tuberculosis, is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when people who have an active TB infection cough, sneeze, or otherwise transmit respiratory fluids through the air. Most infections are asymptomatic and latent, but about one in ten latent infections eventually progresses to active disease which, if left untreated, kills more than 50% of those so infected.

As we are able to read in this book, treatment for progressive cases often included removing ribs to help the lungs and all patients were encouraged to get as much fresh air as possible, even in wintery weather conditions, because fresh air was believed to help cure this illness.

Delving into the book, we have an unlikely band of friends that have gathered together to create an orchestra who are working together to perform a concert. I love how the author pulls together these unlikely people and then, oftentimes, paints a very different portrait of what we expect them to be like and then tells us the true story of who they are when we dive further into the book.

Rose’s death, for example, takes me completely by surprise as I believed it was one way and it was not.  McVain, who begins the novel as an unlikeable bully, later delves into his story of his true wartime injury and the unlikely love he discovered. Herman, when given a little love and attention from Susannah, steals the show with his beautiful voice. And, one of the most pivotal moments for Wolfgang, is when he finds out the death of his father is very different than his childhood interpretation of what really happened.

I loved this book from start to finish. Although the book is filled with death and disease, it offered a surprising amount of hopefulness in it. There is so much love and beauty as the patients join forces to complete and perform the requiem and the beauty of these unlikely friendships and loved is solidified because they are all battling this same fight.

Read our interview with James Markert here.

[Tabitha Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly Hills Sanatorium has always fascinated me, from the time I first saw it on "Ghost Hunters" years ago. Though many know the former TB hospital as one of the most haunted places in America, the building has a history that is second to none. The frontline in the battle against TB in the early 1900's, its doctors fought like generals to heal patients of what was known as the White Death. I can only imagine what it was like back then - James Markert does an excellent job of making the readers feel like they are there in "A White Wind Blew." In a time of racial tension, prohibition, and constant fear of what was then an unknown plague that killed thousands, Dr. Wolfgang Pike does his level best to save as many patients as possible, both with medicine and with music, all while dealing with his wife's death. If that weren't stressful enough, his plans to resume his path to priesthood collide with his feelings toward a Waverly nurse, and a resident doctor's battle to stop a concert Wolf believes may very well may be keeping patients alive, in addition to battling the KKK over his intent to have both black and white patients play together. Throughout this dramatic story of life, death, right and wrong, Waverly Hills provides a dramatic setting, as I'm sure she did back on the day.

A friend and I worked up the courage to tour WHS back in April. Though stories of the suicidal nurse, the eyeless homeless man and his dog, shadow people, and the Creeper dominate the tour, the building still whispers the hope that I'm sure patients felt crossing her threshold back in the day. Markert did a great job of reminding g us of that hope with this story.

[Tima · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dr. Pike is a widower, a doctor at Waverly Hills, and an aspiring priest. He's also a musician who believes in the power of music to heal the soul. And if the soul is at peace, the body can begin healing as well. So he tries to fulfill every request for music he receives despite the appalling conditions and resistance he receives from his boss. Death, racism, love, and the effects of war are only a few of the touchy subjects contained in this book.

The story flows along, like a slow moving stream. It contains some insightful views into a world most of us will never experience. Its redemptive story is refreshing and depressing at the same time. I can't say that I enjoyed this story as much as I thought I would. But based on the subject and writing style, I can definitely see this book becoming a best seller. It just isn't my style and took my quite some time to get through it. But if thought provoking and reflective writing is your thing, then definitely read this book.

I received this book free of charge from Sourcebooks in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you know there was a huge epidemic in this country between the two world wars? And it wasn't influenza -- it was tuberculosis! This disease wiped out whole families in the days before antibiotics, and most patients were confined to sanatoriums where the treatments were mostly palliative, not curative. They tried some treatments, such as deflating lungs, removing ribs, and exposing them to lots of fresh air, but there was really no cure. Some did recover, but most died.

This book takes place in such a sanatorium in 1929. Waverly Hills near Louisville, KY, was state of the art for its time (it really existed although the story is fictional. Today the site is considered one of the most haunted places in America, popular with ghost-hunters!) There's a wanna-be Catholic seminarian/medical doctor, struggling with his vocation, a host of colorful characters, both patients and staff, and there's music. The music transforms the institution in a day when such "alternative" therapies were considered foolishness -- and therein lies some of the story's conflict.

Recommended!

[Robin O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book tremendously. I have lived in Louisville, KY for 11 years now. I knew of Waverly Hills as a former sanatarium for TB patients during the epidemic in the early 1900's. I also have known it as a haunted tour destination for those who like this type of thing during the Holloween season.
This book showed me the real life terror of this disease here in Louisville and why Waverly Hills exsisted along with a separate hospital on the same grounds that served the black race. I appreciate this local authors' piece of fiction that mixes true facts with an interesting fictional story. For all those who live in Louisville I also think they will enjoy all the specific refences to various locations they know within the city that still exsist today.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Wolfgang Pike, a widower, a musician and an aspiring priest, practices at the best and largest TB sanitarium in the country in the 1920s when fresh air, removing ribs and deflating lungs were the best treatments for the White Death. A central conflict in the novel is between Wolfgang's love interests and his vocation for the priesthood. Wolfgang is much beloved as a religious as well as a doctor to the patients. He introduces music as a therapy. Both Prohibition and the Klan Play a role in the Louisville, Kentucky setting. Not a bad book for the Nook Free Friday selection.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stirred a lot of emotions in me, which is important in something I read, to be moved.
I got lost in the early 1900's with the folk that were brought together by a terrible sickness.
A sickness that didn't care the color of ones skin or where you came from.
Out of this unlikely bunch that were brought together friendships developed that lasted a lifetime, however how long or short that was.
In a time before antibiotics and a cure there was hope through the magical healing of music and friends.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice book.
That simple.

There's really nothing that I thought was outstanding. There were no major plot twists (most of the twists were easily predicted)There was 'drama' but nothing too out of the ordinary. Characters were well developed and each had their own interesting background. The topic itself was interesting and well researched.

Chances are it won't set your world on fire and make your head spin, but it's enjoyable anyway.

[Heather Fineisen]

Setting this one aside after 30%. Just didn't click for me.

[Katrinadohn Dohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply moving, powerful book that will stay with me for a long, long time

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

A White Wind Blew by James Markert
Narrated by Nick Mondelli

I knew little about life and death with tuberculous during the 1920s and even less about Waverly Hills Sanatorium, the tuberculosis hospital located in Louisville, Kentucky. The hospital started small, providing 40 to 50 beds but as the number of tuberculosis patients in the area soared, the hospital was expanded to hold 400 patients at a time. At one point it was said that the hospital lost one patient an hour, new patients being carried in as dead patients where shunted out via the tunnel, out of sight to keep from plummeting the already plummeting spirits of the doctors, nurses, and patients.

The hospital was real although this story and the characters in it are fiction. Wolfgang Pike took up music young, the only way he had of bonding with his surly and often distant father. At fourteen, Wolfgang found the Catholic Church and began his journey towards becoming a priest. But he fell in love and married Rose and became a doctor, instead. Now, at thirty two, Rose is dead, he is a doctor at Waverly Hills, and Wolfgang is tormented by his pull towards the priesthood, his need to continue to help tuberculosis patients, and his growing attraction to a nurse he works with. There is also the problem of possible KKK dangers as they are against drinking, Jews, Catholics, and the mingling of black and white patients at the hospital.

Music is a distraction and release for Wolfgang and as he meets patients with musical talent he decides to put together an orchestra despite his boss's orders to not do so. It's obvious that music helps all the patients whether they are playing, singing or listening to it and Wolfgang will not give up his music therapy. I enjoyed the story the most when it focused on the hospital and patients and the music. I could have done without Wolfgang's inner thoughts about the body of his wife and the nurse, with that struggle making me wonder if the priesthood was really a good choice for him.

It was difficult to read about those suffering from TB and it was difficult to read about what seemed to be barbaric treatments the patients underwent. But Wolfgang is a compassionate man and while his heart is in his music, it is also with his patients. He's right there in the mess and disease, holding hands and bodies, not withdrawing from the sights, sounds, and smells. This story highlights the sacrifices of doctors, nurses, and patients and also how heavily this disease weighed down on everyone in connection with it. Now, when I hear narrator Nick Mondelli's voice, I'll always remember Wolfgang because he narrated his POV so well.

Publication date Jun 11 2024

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A White Wind Blew is the story of a Louisville sanatorium, the patients who live there, and the doctors who tend them told through the lens of Prohibition and Jim Crow laws. The Klan has begun to rear its head, angered by both the quantities of sacramental wine procured by and for the quasi-clergy as well as the treatment of black patients, treatment which the Klan perceives to be too good in some cases. Set in the late '20s, there are also veterans of the first World War struggling to cope with both the ravages of war and the knowledge that they survived the carnage of the Western Front only to be struck by the White Wind itself.

And then there is our protagonist, Dr. Wolfgang Pike, a man whom many patients call Father, but who has abandoned the seminary once for the love of a woman and is considering doing so again. More than woman, wine, or holiness, though, he loves his music. Dr. Pike determines to form an orchestra comprised of TB patients, an unlikely scenario perhaps, but one which Markert is able to imbue with authenticity - and unexpected outcomes. A White Wind Blew is a much lighter read that its topic would suggest. This is not a book about TB, but about living with TB in one of the most isolating places man hath ever created - but even then, it was not without hope.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A White Wind Blew" by James Markert is a historical fiction novel set in 1929 in Louisville, Kentucky. It is about the tuberculosis pandemic, sometimes called the White Plague. It is set at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, a real place, which is now known as one of the most haunted hospitals in the Eastern US.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes historical fiction!

One of the stories is the creation of a patient orchestra and choir led by Dr. Wolfgang Pike, who is also a seminary student. Many of the patients call him Father. McVain (sp.?) is an ornery patient and an interesting character.

At times, there are actions from the KKK that are scary and dangerous. They are out to catch bootleggers during prohibition, not just against black people.

This book is exceptionally well written! The characters are all well developed. I came to care about all of them. The storylines carry you along. Some of it is sad, but some parts are uplifting. Nick Mondelli is the narrator of the audiobook, and he does a great job with all the voices!

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 37/8 = 4 5/8 rounded up to 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and James Markert for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Marti (Letstalkaboutbooksbaybee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

This story is set in the 1920s at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium during the height of the tuberculosis epidemic. It follows the fictional wannabe priest/doctor Wolfgang Pike as he deals with patients and overcoming the death of his wife

The premise of this sounds so fascinating. If I'm being honest, all I really knew about Waverly Hills was what I saw on Ghost Adventures when they stayed the night there to look for ghosts. And that's all I really wanted to know, tbh.

One of the more fascinating aspects of this book was learning of the barbaric ways that they thought could treat TB. They would collapse the lungs to let them "rest" or remove ribs to try to help stop the infection from spreading. I wish the book would have focused more on that sort of thing.

However it mostly focused on Wolfgang Pike and how he tried to lift patients spirits by playing them music, and his boss telling him it was a waste of time. Oh and there was a minor sub plot about the KKK getting into shenanigans in the background too.

All in all, an okay book, but not as great as I wanted it to be.

[Melissa Helton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical fiction is hard, to get us into that world and make it real for us without it sounding like a textbook. I enjoyed the story well enough, but the last half felt like a stone skipping across the water. I think the book bit off a little more than it could comfortably chew. To try to cover the main character being torn between love, the priesthood, medicine, and music while dealing with grief and all this death would've been enough. To also try to weave in racism/KKK, prohibition, the war, his conflicts with his mom, and all the complex backstories of so many characters.... it led us into quick flashes of interaction in the 2nd half of the book which flattened the characters and the book's heart, when the 2nd half of a book needs to deepen and expand those. The inconclusive epilogue might seem like a choose your own adventure move where we can decide what happens to the main character, but it was deeply unsatisfying to leave that question (the main question of the whole book) unanswered.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book with lots of heart. I was daunted initially by the length of the audio, but it flew by in a blur of emotions and hope for the characters I'd grown to truly care about. Tuberculosis seems like such a mundane illness in this time of Covid and malaria, but Markert gives us a taste of what it was like in a 1920s sanitorium where people were dying every hour, sometimes as much as 40 per day, and bodies secreted out through a tunnel so as not to upset the patients (or staff). The title of the book was also disturbing once the reason for it was revealed. Despite the sadness, the depth of loss, and the broken spirits, there is so much hope running all through the book, and when Wolfgang introduces music to the hospital, the entire atmosphere changes. This is a book of faith and hope, and despite our protagonist being a seminary student and doctor, it's not overtly Christian and preachy. It's about humanity, connections, the power of music, the hideousness of racism, and faith in ourselves and each other. There are trigger warnings, but I think this book is very worth the read.