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The Plague Tales

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The Plague Tales

By: Ann Benson
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

Fourteenth-century physician Alejandro Guzman, caught performing an autopsy in Spain, flees across Europe at the time of the Black Death to escape execution for his heretical deed. When he arrives in the Papal city of Avignon, he is conscripted against his will to serve as a Plague Doctor in the court of England's Edward III.

Unfolding in a dramatic counterpoint is the story of American medical archaeologist Janie Crowe, in England at the turn of the 21st century to recover from the tragic loss of her family. She digs up a medieval artifact as part of her research and unwittingly releases a deadly plague bacterium on an unprepared world.

These two unwilling heroes from two different centuries are linked by history and defined by circumstance. Here are their stories - the plague tales.

©1997 Ann Benson (P)1997 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing
Historical Medical Suspense
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Editor reviews

I found this program so terrific and fun to listen to, that after the six hours, I wanted to go back to the beginning and start over. I was captivated by how first-time novelist Ann Benson weaves together the historical and futuristic plots. Two parallel stories are presented: one an account of an unlikely and unwilling physician to King Edward III in 1348; the other a tale of London in 2005, a time when antibiotics no longer cure. What seals this as my staff pick is the riveting and often lyrical narration by British actress Juliet Stevenson. Her portrayals of the British, French, Spanish, and American characters here are completely convincing in tone, person, and accent. Highly recommended. (David O.)

Critic reviews

“Part historical novel, part futuristic adventure...chock full of curious lore and considerable suspense.” (Entertainment Weekly)

“Benson reveals a formidable talent as she blends historical fiction with a near-future bio-thriller.” (Publishers Weekly [starred review])

“Harrowing... Will give readers both nightmares and thrills... A carefully woven page-turner from which...Robin Cook and Michael Crichton could learn.” (Library Journal)

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