A Death-Struck Year

by Makiia Lucier

A deadly pandemic, a budding romance, and the heartache of loss make for a stunning coming-of-age teen debut about the struggle to survive during the 1918 flu.

For Cleo Berry, the people dying of the Spanish Influenza in cities like New York and Philadelphia may as well be in another country--that's how far away they feel from the safety of Portland, Oregon. And then cases start being reported in the Pacific Northwest. Schools, churches, and theaters shut down. The entire city is thrust into survival mode--and into a panic. Headstrong and foolish, seventeen-year-old Cleo is determined to ride out the pandemic in the comfort of her own home, rather than in her quarantined boarding school dorms. But when the Red Cross pleads for volunteers, she can't ignore the call. As Cleo struggles to navigate the world around her, she is surprised by how much she finds herself caring about near-strangers. Strangers like Edmund, a handsome medical student and war vet. Strangers who could be gone tomorrow. And as the bodies begin to pile up, Cleo can't help but wonder: when will her own luck run out?

Riveting and well-researched, A Death-Struck Year is based on the real-life pandemic considered the most devastating in recorded world history. Readers will be captured by the suspenseful storytelling and the lingering questions of: what would I do for a neighbor? At what risk to myself?
An afterword explains the Spanish flu phenomenon, placing it within the historical context of the early 20th century. Source notes are extensive and interesting.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult Historical Fiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2014

About the author

Makiia Lucier is the author of Year of the Reaper, the Isle of Blood and Stone duology, and A Death-Struck Year. Her stories are inspired by history and mythology and have been called “brilliant” (Booklist), “moving,” (New York Times), “masterful” (Horn Book), and “breathtaking” (School Library Journal). They can be found on many notable lists, including the Kids’ Indie Next and the American Library Association’s ‘Best Fiction for Young Adults.’

Makiia grew up on the Pacific island of Guam, not too far from the equator, and holds degrees in journalism and library science.

She lives with her family in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portland 1918: Die Spanische Grippe greift immer weiter um sich, bis sie auch Portland erreicht, die Heimat der 17-jährigen Cleo. Die Schulen werden geschlossen, dafür werden provisorische Krankenhäuser eingerichtet. Als das Rote Kreuz freiwillige Helfer sucht, meldet Cleo sich kurzentschlossen. Obwohl sie selbst Angst hat, krank zu werden, tut sie ihr Möglichstes, um den kranken Menschen zu helfen. Dabei lernt sie u.a. Hannah, Kate und Edmund kennen ...
💜 💜 💜
Mein Leseeindruck:
Dieses Buch mit dem eher ungewöhnlichen Cover sollte man sich auf jeden Fall einmal näher ansehen, denn es lohnt sich! Die Geschichte von Cleo ist von Anfang an sehr packend, sehr mitreißend, aufwühlend, gefühlvoll und manchmal auch ein bisschen romantisch. Ja, es gibt eine Liebesgeschichte im Buch, aber sie steht auf jeden Fall im Hintergrund, ist sehr ruhig und zart. Im Vordergrund steht der Kampf gegen die Spanische Grippe, aber auch der Zusammenhalt der Menschen und die Entstehung von Freundschaften.
Es gibt viel Elend und Leid im Buch, aber auch Hoffnung und Freude. Die Autorin hat es gut gemeistert, wirklich alle Gefühle bei der Lektüre des Buches aufkommen zu lassen.
Trotz des ernsten Themas hat es mir viel Freude gemacht, dieses Buch zu lesen! Ich habe mit Cleo und ihren Kameraden mitgefühlt und konnte mich gut in sie hineinversetzen.
Auch der Schreibstil der Autorin hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Sie schreibst sehr eindringlich, dabei aber doch leicht, unkompliziert und gleichzeitig packend. Es ist ein ganz wunderbares Buch, das ich auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen werde!

[♥ Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The “catch-line” description reads: A deadly pandemic, a budding romance, and the heartache of loss make for a stunning coming-of-age teen debut about the struggle to survive during the 1918 flu.

### 1

ISSUE: “A DEADLY PANDEMIC”

Yeah... so it’s the Spanish freaking Influenza, y’all. Millions upon millions of people – young and old alike – died painful, horrible, tragic deaths.

And yet, where was all the drama? Despite the tragedy that struck the town where seventeen year old Cleo lived, she remained painfully detached through it all.

I almost felt like I was being told a story about a friend of a friend’s cousin’s wife’s sister’s daughter.

I didn't want to read about SYMPTOMS. I didn't want to be TOLD about how people were dropping dead like flies. I wanted to see HOW the sickness affected Cleo. I wanted to be SHOWN the EFFECTS of the Influenza, rather than being told each tedious detail of how the sickness "worked."

It's not so much the disease I was interested in reading about. I wanted to read about the legacy of the disease, how it shaped humanity; the resolve, the strength, the unending faith, hope, perseverance, the struggles, the lost opportunities, the desolation, etc. I could've cared less about the physical symptoms of patients who were irrelevant to the story.

What also didn't work for me: her absentee guardian/brother (conveniently, he left town right before the flu, then came back right after things started settling down). Then the fact that She decides to “volunteer” with the Red Cross. Why, you ask? Well, because if not her, then who? Kind of faulty logic, but even if I bought it, I wanted to feel her conviction. I needed something more than nonchalance from a girl risking her life to help the sick. Some greater purpose; a deeper confusion, sorrow, attachment of sorts.

Yeah, maybe she wasn’t your “typical” seventeen year old girl – but maybe that’s also why I had such a hard time connecting with her. She was SO different, closed off, and though it may not seem like it at first –selfish. (She sought to "help" people in need not because she cared about those people, but as a way to compensate for loneliness, or maybe even as an act of rebellion.) I guess in turn, that somehow helped her; made her less lonely, and feel worthy. That's great and all, but again, I am just speculating. None of these things were explained to me...

I liked that the author was inspired by a historically relevant tragedy that transpired. That makes it all the more real and frightening, since it really happened. But that wasn’t used to the story’s advantage. It was almost like I was reading some detached third person writing a story with beautifully constructed sentences and fancy literary techniques – but missing the essential ingredients: conflict, emotion, a likable character, a story I could believe.

Conclusion: does slow-and-torturous death by boredom count?

### 2

ISSUE: “A BUDDING ROMANCE”

Yes. That’s exactly what it was. It was budding, but never fully bloomed. And honestly, I wouldn’t even consider that a “romance.” Cleo and Edmund had less chemistry than Cleo and Jack (her brother)! It was ridiculous. And please, I don’t buy the whole back then everyone was so chaste and innocent excuse.

Psh.

People were dropping dead like flies and you wanna talk about taking it slow?

Conclusion: Yeah, no.

### 3

ISSUE: “HEARTACHE OF LOSS”

That’s such a loaded statement. Maybe I’m being a bit too harsh on this book, but dammit I had high expectations! I wanted to really love this book. That phrase, “heartache of loss” is so dense, carrying the weight of a thousand different images, emotions, memories, and stories . . .

To some extent, I saw the effort. And I was truly impressed at how diligently the words were strung together like a neat patchwork of historical relevance and literary accuracy. Yet, there was no “oomph” behind those words, you know? They felt empty, somehow – detached.

How could I care about Cleo when she didn’t even care about herself? How could Cleo, or the reader experience the “heartache of loss” when it’s clear that Cleo never loved anyone except herself?

Her interactions with people, including her brother, needed more humanization or something. If she was worried about her brother, it wasn’t because she loved him, it was because she was scared she’d be left alone.

It was pretty much like that with all her other relationships – only skimming the surface of possibilities – one foot in, one foot out – halfheartedly, begrudgingly.

Conclusion: ironically, the only “heartache of loss” I felt was about this book. And the missed potentials.


### 4

ISSUE: “COMING-OF-AGE”

This is I think the only statement that rings semi-true. I don’t think it’s the typical coming-of-age story. Not because of its’ genre, or because of the flu.

In a way, Cleo’s experience kind of opened her up. Forced her to see, and deal with the consequences of her actions. It was kind of a like a snapshot in time – the kind of time you’d think back and wonder if that girl was really you, and if that really happened to you. Every girl goes through that – whatever “that” may be. THIS story was Cleo’s “that.”

Even so, I’m kind of stretching it a little, trying to make this argument work.

Conclusion: kinda sorta maybe.

###

The description is misleading. I’ve disproved each purported phrase and statement. But that doesn’t necessarily mean people will dislike the book. However, for me, it was disappointing since I had specific expectations based on what the description stated.

Additionally, for a book that tackles such a heavy subject – an actual slice of the past, it was too objective, detached, and read almost like an academic paper of sorts.

It didn’t feel like a story I could fall into, a world I could get lost in. The debilitating fears, hopes, dreams, and pain of that era that died and lived through the Spanish Influenza was ultimately lost on me.

[Bitchin' Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sobbing. Edmund is a dream. Cleo is a hero. So much sadness and happiness.

Ruta Sepetys and this author should write a book together!

Update 6/13/2017: I still go back to this book at times when my mind meanders. It shows in the book that the author researched extensively and implemented the information she had gathered for this time period. Cleo is that young woman you strive to be and wish to have by your side-- she is smart, kind, caring, and willing to put forth that extra effort when the going gets tough. Edmund is that young man you wish to be with, a good influence, compassionate, and all around good guy with handsome looks. They make for an admirable couple in a story set in a concerning time.

If you have enjoyed anything by Ruta Sepetys, you will enjoy this novel as well. You will not be disappointed in the plot, the characters, or the setting--they are all well developed and you truly care for them. There is one specific moment that absolutely shattered my heart and it involved someone close to Cleo; I will not reveal more than that, because I would hate to spoil it for you.

[laurel [the suspected bibliophile] · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting take on one girl's quiet heroism during the Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1918.

The Spanish Flu killed between 30-50 million people world wide. More people died from the flu than during the First World War and the Black Plague. And yet it's somehow been reduced to a footnote in history, eclipsed by the horrors of trench warfare and poppy fields.

I think I probably would have given this about three stars if it didn't take place in Oregon. Granted, it was in Portland, but so many locations that were close to home where named that it was like little Easter Eggs all throughout the story. I even looked up a 1918 State Highway Commission to check out what the road situation was like back then.

Cleo Barry was a character I related to pretty strongly, minus her tragic backstory. With all of her friends having ambitions and plans and destinies of possible careers and travel and husbands, she's adrift and wondering what the hell she'll do with her life. Enter the flu, and where she finds she has more courage in her than most.

I can see how other reviewers felt distanced from her, and I think it's because of the overwhelming use of filter phrases the author uses. Instead of the scene being played out and described, Lucier uses "I saw," "I felt," "I watched," quite a bit more than necessary. It was a little frustrating at times but didn't distract me too much from the overall story.

Overall, it's a solid piece of historical YA fiction, and a great snapshot into Oregon life during WWI and the Spanish flu.

[Eugenia (Genie In A Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This review also appears on the blog Chasm of Books*

Thank you to HMH Books for Young Readers for this book via Netgalley

Well researched and haunting, A Death Struck Year is a novel about the heartbreaking truths of the Spanish Influenza outbreak that took so many innocent lives. Aside from the grim realities it portrays, it is also a story about a girl who is brave enough to go out into the world and give aid to those who need it most, despite the risk of getting infected herself.

I lingered by the foot of the bed, wondering at the unfairness of it. Kate and I had found them alive. We'd sent them here. Yet it still might not be enough to save them.

17 year old Cleo Berry finds herself volunteering for the Red Cross when she sees an advert in the newspaper asking for help. Alone at home in Portland, with her brother and his wife away on holiday to Florida, she is swept up in the midst of panic when the outbreak reaches her home town. Finding a place where she is of real assistance and can save lives, Cleo wonders how long she or the other doctors and nurses around her such as Edmund and Kate can tempt fate before the indluenza claims them as well.

You could tell that a lot of effort had gone into making this novel with all the research on the flu pandemic in America at that time. It is almost impossible to imagine the state of fear people would be living in, with the threat of dying everywhere, as the flu did not discriminate: young or old, with a family or not. This novel really gives an insight into how horrific this event in in history actually was. I found myself captivated by the story almost immediately, as it seems to be so in touch with what people's reactions would have been like.

"You wonder why I stay", I said. "Sometimes I wonder too. But I hate to think of a child, of anyone really, lying somewhere sick and scared, waiting for help that does not come."

Aside from the grim details, this story is about the heroic humanitarian efforts of those who were there for the sick and dying. The members of the Red Cross who set up temporary hospitals to care for the many that came in, those with nobody else to turn to. This is where Cleo as a character really shone. She was strong and brave in the face of sickness, having to deal with disturbing and depressing situations. Despite this, she soldiered on, rolled her sleeves up and got back to work. Nothing really fazed her in the end, and when it came to the slight hint at romance with Edmund, not even that was a distraction. Romance was never a key factor in this novel, as was right. Reading this really makes you appreciate the efforts of those who save lives every day, who we might take for granted. In situations like this, members of the community who were willing to help banded together, even when all hope seemed lost.

*CONCLUSION*

In conclusion, A Death Struck Year was a riveting read. One that will make you appreciate what it means to be in good health and the triumphs of modern medicine, I would recommend this to anyone who wants a glimpse into one of the worst aspects of history that brought out some of the best in people who were there to help.

[Pixelnische · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am Samstag zu lesen begonnen und heute beendet: 'Das Fieber' ist mein zweites Buch aus dem Königskinder Verlag - ein fesselndes, auf historischen Tatsachen beruhendes Debüt, das mich mit seiner spannenden Thematik zu begeistern wusste - für alle, die sich für Jugendbücher mit historischem Setting Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts und fein gezeichneten, authentischen Charakteren interessieren, sehr lesens- und empfehlenswert.

Eine ausführliche Besprechung folgt demnächst auf meinem Blog Büchernische.

[- ̗̀ jess ̖́- · Rating 3 out of 5]

i cannot believe this book was written in 2014 it feels like it was written in 2020

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars: A must read historical book!

World War I wages on killing thousands and now a new threat has arrived. There are reports of a deadly outbreak of the Spanish Flu back East. For seventeen year old Cleo Berry, the flu is thousands of miles away from Portland, Oregon. Cleo's biggest worries are putting up with living in the school dormitories while her brother and his wife are away traveling and deciding what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Once Jack and Lucy leave, the flu arrives in Portland. Immediately a quarantine is put into effect, people are advised to avoid gatherings and all activities are cancelled. Cleo is supposed to be confined to the school, but she sneaks out and heads home to an empty house. The next day, a small article in The Oregonian catches her eye. The Red Cross is asking for volunteers. Even though Cleo has no medical training and she is on her own, she feels compelled to help. Soon Cleo is caring for those stricken with the deadly virus. Will Cleo survive the Spanish Flu?
What I Liked:
*This is a fascinating look at the weeks in October and November 1918 when the Spanish Flu swept through Portland, Oregon. I knew nothing of the Spanish flu until I read a book, In The Shadow of Blackbirds, last year. This is another riveting account of the frightening time period where the flu raged across the country killing thousands. It is an educational and eye opening read that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you are like me and you know little of the Spanish flu epidemic, I highly recommend checking this out.
*For me, the highlight of this book was the setting of Portland, Oregon. I have lived in Portland for six and a half years but I still feel like a transplant. I loved that this book took me back in time to the streets of Portland as they were almost a hundred years ago. I enjoyed learning more about my city and what life was like during this time period. I especially enjoyed picking out the historical landmarks that I am familiar with in the book.
*This book thrusts you into the chaos and terror that swept through Portland during October 1918. It is only a matter of days before the flu is taking a high number of lives. It was hard to imagine people waking up healthy and dropping dead by the end of the day as they succumbed to the flu. It was a frightening time, but in the midst of the danger and disease, a few brave souls stood up and tackled the flu head on. This book recounts the bravery of the doctors, nurses, soldiers and volunteers who helped care for the victims of the flu when there was no protection for them. Can you imagine nursing sick people knowing that you could be next? It is a terrifying thought, but it was reality for so many people. I loved learning more about those few individuals who risked everything to help others. On the other hand, it was disturbing to learn how others behaved during the epidemic. Some people abandoned their own family in hopes of protecting themselves. Others looted and took advantage of the chaos. This book takes you through the highs and lows of this deadly epidemic. It makes you ponder what you would do in the same circumstances. Would you bolt your door and hide or help?
*At the heart of the book are Cleo and Edmund. Cleo is a seventeen year old girl trying to find her path in life. She is wealthy, but she has known plenty of heartache in her short life. When the flu strikes instead of running and hiding, Cleo decides to help. She is courageous and brave as she fights to save those around her. I admired her tenacity and strength. Edmund is a wounded war veteran and a medical student. He works relentlessly to help those afflicted by the flu. By day he nurses the sick and dying and at night he stops to help dig graves. He is noble, kind and selfless. I loved both of these characters and I was cheering for a romantic involvement.
*I appreciated that the author included some historical notes at the end of the book regarding the flu and the Keller auditorium where the majority of the book took place. It was apparent that she spent countless hours researching this book and it shows.
And The Not So Much:
*The ending was a bit too abrupt and quick. I won't go into too many details, but the final illness that strikes isn't throughly recounted. Furthermore, I was desperate to know more about how everything settled out especially when it came to the romance. I wish that there was an Epilogue. After everything, I cared deeply for Cleo and Edmund and I wanted to know how their lives turned out. I even wanted to know more about what happened with Cleo's neighbor.
*World War I was raging through its final month during this book, but there isn't much discussion on the war. I realize that the war took a backseat during this frightening time, but I wanted to know more about the war and how it was affecting the Pacific Northwest. Were there rations or shortages? How had it affected daily life in Portland? Finally at the end, there is just a brief mention that the war had ended, I would have liked a more thorough account on the end of the war and the aftermath of the flu.
*The romance was a bit of a disappointment. While I appreciated that it doesn't fully develop because of the circumstances, I was hoping for more. It is sweet and slow and nice, but I wanted to see it erupt and to know how it all turned out.

A Death Struck Year was a fascinating and informative read. I enjoyed learning more about the deadly Spanish flu, the altruistic people who stepped up to help risking their own lives and I loved learning more about Portland, Oregon. This was a captivating read. I highly recommend checking this one out.

Favorite Quotations:
"Lives reduced into print the barest of facts. Was that really all they had been? There was no mention of their dreams or disappointments, or of the people left behind to mourn their loss. I felt angry at the waste."

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.

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

It’s 1918 in Portland, Oregon and 17-year-old Cleo Berry is living temporarily in the dormitory of her school when her guardians, her older brother and his wife, leave on vacation to celebrate their anniversary. Soon after their departure the news everyone has been dreading arrives: the Spanish influenza has made its way to the west coast. After her school is shut down, Cleo decides to sneak back home to wait for her brother to get back to town. She inevitably decides to assist the Red Cross after a newspaper advertisement shows them asking for volunteers, preferably those with transportation.

There were a few things that initially drew me to this book. One: This reminded me a lot of In the Shadow of Blackbirds which I enjoyed immensely. I had never read anything about the 1918 Spanish influenza but I was riveted by the details of that time period. Two: I loved the idea of this girl volunteering to assist in something so dreadful. I knew she had to be an amazing main character to persevere through something like that. Unfortunately, what I found most intriguing about this book didn’t pan out for me.

The details regarding the Spanish influenza were detailed and clearly well-researched but the story as a whole managed to lack an emotional intensity especially when you consider the devastation going on. The story is told from the point of view of Cleo and she gives us a firsthand account of her day to day life while the influenza spreads through Portland like wildfire. We’re witnesses to the deaths of men, women and children but there was a seemingly unintentional disconnect like Cleo wasn’t truly living in the moment but as if we’re being giving a secondhand accounting instead. It all felt very subdued and didn’t generate the type of emotion I think I should have been feeling given the subject matter. In addition to the lack of emotion, I missed the lack of effect the war was having on the states. There was only brief references to the war going on and soldiers coming home but the people didn’t seem to be effected by hardship due to rations or anything of the sort. I realize that by 1918 we’re at the tail end of the war but it still had a serious impact on peoples way of life for many more months.

As I stated above, I loved the idea of this young girl deciding to assist in helping the Red Cross during this tragedy when she didn’t have to. I loved the idea of this experience having a maturing effect on her and causing a form of transformation. But after about the fifth time she mentioned she had forgotten her mask after walking into a house stock full of sick people I had just about had enough. Putting on your mask to help prevent against the flu isn’t difficult. You’re nursing people that are hacking up a lung and bleeding all over the place and you’re like, “Oops! I left it in the car.” Seriously?!



Every time this would happen it only succeeded in completely enraging me and throwing off the flow of the story. She kept saying throughout the story that she’s not a child and that she can take care of herself when in fact her actions told a completely different story. Cleo could have been an amazing character for me but her complete disregard for her own health was ridiculous and only proved to me that maybe she should have stayed home.

The budding romance, as the summary describes it, is a perfect description. We don’t ever get to witness the bud come to fruition and bloom, we only receive the hints of it. But the ‘budding’ itself between Cleo and Edmund wasn’t anything to get excited about and there really was zero chemistry between the two. I honestly don’t see the reason or purpose for it being a part of the story.

As much as I wanted to love this one, I wasn’t impressed. The story was well written and the research was evident but the the lack of characterization completely killed the story for me. When writing about something as devastating as the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic then I would expect to be completely enshrouded in the desolation of the event and I wasn’t.

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A DEATH-STRUCK YEAR reminds me of some of the American Girl books. It's well-researched and works hard to convey the essence of an era. It's also written to appeal to female audience. I-personally wouldn't suggest it as a read for adults, but there's nothing in particular to keep adults from enjoying it. [For those suggesting books for younger Tweens I would note that there is some swearing, a tiny bit of drinking used to explain prohibition, and, of course, there are sick people, dying people, and dead people of all ages. In addition there is a one-time mention of a birth control pamphlet.]

THE BACKSTORY
The backstory for this book is the Spanish Flu and World War I. Cleo Berry, our heroine, lives with her much older brother and his wife. Her parents were killed in a car accident.

Cleo is a day student at a private school as the story begins. When her brother and his wife decide to go on a vacation she is sent for the duration to stay at the school. Of course, the flu takes this opportunity to jump from the East coast to the west while they are gone. And without their adult guidance she becomes of assistance to the Red Cross.

THOUGHTS
The writing in A DEATH-STRUCK YEAR is good. It's crisp and straight forward. The plotting is logical but still requires suspension of disbelief. And it's perfectly obvious from the first introduction who the love interest will be.

A DEATH-STRUCK YEAR earned kudos and starred reviews and that's not really surprising. This is a book that's well done and will be perfect for some middle-grade readers. There's excitement and a satisfying ending.

I-personally would not have given it a starred review because to my adult sensibilities it's predictable and lackluster. I would recommend though it to my own middle-grader. It's a good example of edu-tainment.

[Chanele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to read more books about the Spanish influenza! There are not many, but this came up in a search, so I snagged it. It is the tale of a teenage girl, Cleo Berry, who ends up unexpectedly alone when the Spanish influenza reaches Portland in the fall of 1918 because her brother/guardian cannot get back to the city in a timely fashion. Adrift in life and surrounded by something much bigger than her, Cleo responds to an ad for nurses placed by the Red Cross and finds herself on the front line of an international crisis. Because she can drive and has access to a car, she works to find those so ill that they are dying alone in their home and works to get them to makeshift hospitals that sprang up all over the city (including in the newly built opera house/theater). Cleo shows poise and bravery, even when she faces enormous personal loss. (Because it is a book on the flu, it is inevitable someone important dies.) The book details the quick, terrifying intensity of the disease and how it targeted the young and the healthiest without discrimination. Against this backdrop, young Cleo also falls in love for the first time with a former solider who was sent back from fighting World War I after a brutal attack and is now studying medicine in a time of a pandemic. There is a good supporting cast of brave souls and those struck by the horrible illness. While it’s a heavy story with a sad subject, the tale is interesting to read. It is one hell of a coming-of-age tale.

[Leselissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich liebe die Ausgaben aus dem Königskinder Verlag. ♡
Es ist in der Tat gleich ein ganz anderes Gefühl, in einem haptisch so schön gestalteten und hochwertig hergestellten Buch zu lesen.
Aber auch vom Inhalt her ist dieses Buch ein echter Schatz, fließend und berührend erzählt.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo ist 17 Jahre alt, lebt bei ihrem Bruder und dessen Frau und steht kurz vor ihrem Abschluss. Während sie überlegt, was sie nach ihrem Abschluss tun möchte, wird die restliche Welt von der spanischen Grippe beherrscht.
Cleo überredet ihren Bruder, dass er dennoch die Reise zum Anlass des 13. Hochzeitstages mit seiner Frau unternimmt. Cleo soll während der Abwesenheit der beiden im Internat der Schule wohnen.
Als die ersten Fälle der spanischen Grippe aus Camp Lewis gemeldet werden, scheint das so weit weg von Portland. Jedoch dauert es nicht sehr lang, bis es auch erste Krankheitsfälle in Portland gibt. Massenveranstaltungen werden verboten, dazu zählt auch Schulunterreicht. Ihre Freundinnen werden abgeholt, nach Hause gebracht oder fliehen zu Orten, die für sicher gehalten werden. Cleo hingegen beschließt freiwillige Helferin beim Roten Kreuz zu werden.

Der Erzählstil hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Die Sprache war einfach gehalten, was mich jedoch nicht gestört hat. Das Buch ist auch Cleos Sicht geschrieben. Cleos Erlebnisse werden sehr eindringlich beschrieben und es fühlt sich oft so an, als wäre man dabei. Da Cleo mir sehr sympathisch war, fiel es auch von Anfang an nicht schwer sich mit ihr zu identifzieren.
Die Szenen, die als Cleos Erlebnisse als Helferin beim Roten Kreuz beschrieben, haben mich oft schwer schlucken lassen. Wie viel Mut muss man aufbringen, um todkranken Menschen zu Helfen und dabei sein eigenes Leben aufs Spiel zu setzen oder Menschen sterben sehen? Ich bewundere diesen Mut.
Auch die Nebencharaktere mochte ich gern. Sie wurden eindringlich beschrieben und sind mir sehr ans Herz gewachsen.

Ich denke, dass Makiia Lucier sehr gut recherchiert hat und mir deshalb ein glaubhaftes Bild der damaligen Zeit vermitteln konnte. Eine Geschichte absolut nach meinem Geschmack!

Ich würde mich sehr auf weitere Bücher von Makiia Lucier freuen.

[Ahana Chhattani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this in like 3 days , really interesting. I could never wanna be a nurse in an epidemic so Cleo (our compassionate queen) is clearly a better person than me. We all need a bf like Edmund in our lives. Highlights what being a nurse and hospital conditions were like during the epidemic. This is the only historical fiction I’ve read and I love it.

[Moe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nachdem ihre Eltern sehr früh gestorben sind, lebt Cleo, 17 Jahre alt, bei ihrem viel älteren Bruder Jack und seiner Frau Lucy. Als diese zur Feier ihres Hochzeitstages eine längere Reise unternehmen wollen, muss sie für ein paar Wochen im Internat wohnen. Dort wird sie noch mehr mit der bitteren Wahrheit konfrontiert, dass sie im Gegensatz zu ihren Freundinnen überhaupt noch keine Ahnung hat, was sie nach der Schule machen soll. Doch bald werden diese Überlegungen vollkommen verdrängt, denn die Spanische Grippe, die doch am Vortag noch unendlich weit weg erschien, wütet nun auch in Portland. Alle Massenversammlungen, auch Schulen, werden verboten und Cleo ist nun allein. Entgegen aller Angst beschließt sie, als Freiwillige beim Roten Kreuz zu helfen…

Dieses Buch, wow! Schon die ersten Seiten, in denen die Spanische Grippe noch gar nicht so präsent war, waren so ergreifend und mitreißend, dass ich es gar nicht aus der Hand legen wollte. Als Cleo dann schließlich beim Roten Kreuz war, wurde es nur noch besser und ich war richtig traurig, dass das Buch nur so kleine Seiten hatte und deshalb viel zu schnell vorbei war.

Cleo ist eine sehr angenehme Protagonistin, weil sie bodenständig ist und sowohl logisch als auch impulsiv handeln kann. Als Leser befindet man sich direkt in ihrem Kopf und kann so alles nachfühlen. Besonders präsent sind da natürlich Hilflosigkeit und Verzweiflung, wenn sie sieht, wie durch die Grippe hunderte Menschen pro Tag erkranken und einige sogar von einem Moment auf den anderen krank werden und ein paar Stunden später bereits tot sind. Aber auch ihr unglaublicher Mut, den sie sich selbst nicht ganz erklären kann, diesen Menschen zu helfen, obwohl sie sich damit doch in eine viel größere Gefahr begibt sich ebenfalls anzustecken, wurde auf eindrucksvolle Weise vermittelt. Cleo wird damit ein ganz vielschichtiger Charakter mit Tiefe.

Neben der tollen Ausarbeitung der Protagonistin sind auch die anderen Charaktere und die Beziehungen zwischen ihnen wunderbar dargestellt. Die freiwilligen Helfer beim Roten Kreuz bilden eine Gruppe aus Verschworenen, lauter gute Engel, die aber auch ständig massiv an sich zweifeln; an ihrer Entscheidung ununterbrochen inmitten so vieler kranker Menschen zu sein, an sich selbst, weil sie nicht allen helfen oder jeden retten können. Selbst Nebencharaktere werden damit vielschichtig und glaubwürdig: Einige flüchten sofort wieder, andere bleiben bis zum bitteren Ende, niemand kann ausschließlich ein guter Engel sein.

Besonders gut gefallen hat mir auch noch die Atmosphäre. Die Autorin schafft es, dass aus jeder Zeile die Hilflosigkeit der Menschen, die Verzweiflung und manchmal auch die Hoffnung herauszufühlen sind. Cleo und ihr Mut freiwillig beim Roten Kreuz zu helfen, ist nämlich nur ein sehr seltener Fall in der Bevölkerung. Andere verstecken sich, trauen sich aus Angst sich anzustecken nicht, kranken Nachbarn zu helfen und lassen diese lieber liegen. Es geht teilweise sogar so weit, dass für den eigenen Ehepartner schnell ein Krankenwagen gerufen wird, um dann zu fliehen, noch bevor dieser eingetroffen ist. Auch sonst lief zu dieser Zeit, mitten im Krieg und mitten in dieser grauenhaften Grippewelle alles drunter und drüber: Läden werden geplündert, Telefonisten verbinden nur Notfälle, Totengräber können der vielen Arbeit nicht nachkommen.

Insgesamt malt Makiia Lucier ein unglaublich mitreißendes und glaubwürdiges Porträt dieser Zeit, das trotz der schweren Kost viel Spaß beim Lesen bereitet hat.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A horrific and terrifying time in U.S. history comes to life in A Death-Struck Year by Makiia Lucier as hundreds of thousands of U. S. citizens fall to the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918. From coast to coast people died and heroes rose. One such hero was seventeen-year-old Cleo Berry, from Portland, Oregon, a girl boarding temporarily at her school until the return of her guardians. The residents of the West Coast felt distant from the flu until traveling soldiers bring it home and it spreads like wildfire, cancelling travel, warning people to stay in their homes and avoid public exposure. Cleo makes a decision to head for her family home and wait out the outbreak there, but that single decision becomes a move that will change her life forever, making her one of the unlikely heroes of her time. Working at the Red Cross, Cleo sees the suffering first hand, the nightmare these people are living and the futility of the medical world’s efforts to stem the onslaught of the Spanish flu.

Ms. Lucier has filled her story with lifelike characters, a wonderfully strong heroine and a supporting cast and love interest that bring 1918 to life. This is how history should be expanded on in schools. Make it live, make it feel alive, let current times fall away and walk the streets of a bygone era. With detailed historical facts intermixed with engaging fiction, Ms. Lucier breathes life into her tale with every stroke of her pen. She has brought a human feel to the era, a feeling that the reader is there, and learning to truly understand the fragility of life. Ms. Lucier has built her world with care and precision, raising the tension as young Cleo’s eyes are opened to her once safe and cocooned world.

I was riveted to A Death-Struck Year and I highly recommend this to anyone who even thinks they might enjoy an historical read with a solid storyline.


I received an ARC edition from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group in exchange for my honest review. Publication date: March 4, 2014

Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780544164505
Genre: Children's Fiction
Number of Pages: 288
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

Let us review what I knew about the Spanish Influenza before reading this book:

• It was terrible
• The East coast was hit especially hard
• It was one of the worst pandemics in history
• It was spread more than anticipated because of troop movements during WW1

And that’s about it. I had some idea that the Red Cross was involved (GO Red Cross!) but nothing definite.

I know a lot more than that now. The greatest reason that I enjoy reading historical fiction (other than being a good story) is that I learn so much. I love learning, guys.

This book was no exception. I think Makiia Lucier did a wonderful job with her research. There was never one moment when I thought, “That doesn’t seem right.”

I feel the same about her writing. We all know about ‘hooks,’ right? Make your first sentence good so that the reader will want to continue. The author managed to do that at the beginning of every single chapter. Really. Every time I thought I couldn’t be more hooked, she laughed in my face and made it more intense. I dearly loved the way she wrote. It was almost minimalist. It reminded me of the hospital: she clearly had no time to waste on frivolous nonsense. Every sentence was as spick and span as a nurse’s brand new uniform. The ending felt a wee bit rushed (two months pass in the last thirty pages or so) but by that point I was willing to forgive her almost anything. I cannot wait for her next book.

The main character of this book, Cleo Berry, is my new hero. I absolutely loved her. I had some idea of what would happen over the course of the book, but she went above and beyond my expectations. I hope that she received the highest medal that could be offered to a civilian. She was neither idiotically brave, nor squeamishly cowardly. She felt like a real person.

And the romance! It was an absolutely wonderful, completely realistic little budding romance. I loved it to death. No insta-love here, but not insta-hate-that-turns-into-insta-love either.

I only have one real complaint: A few chapters in, Cleo is given some information on contraceptives. She mentions it in passing once or twice, and then it never comes up again. It really had nothing to do with the story at all. Beyond that, I hate contraceptives. I am 100% pro-life and firmly believe that most contraceptives (if not all) murder children. I am not okay with this. I hated the way it was portrayed: supercilious and condescending.



Edit: I've just discovered that the author loves The Painted Veil movie, which maybe explains why I love this book so much, :D.

[Emmie_Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

**My sister Josiphine received this as an arc and let me read it**

So I started this book and I was a little bored. Cleo (the MC) was a little irritating. Most of the beginning Cleo is in school doing nothing... we are all waiting for the actual plot to start.




I persevered through the boredom of the beginning. And than the plot starts to climb. Things are happening the plot is moving along. Finally I am being drawn into the story. Cleo leaves her school and is now in her house alone (her brother is gone on a trip) The influenza has been found in the city, and everything is hanging in the balance. So now for me this is the deciding point if I like where the story is going. It all depended on what Cleo will do about the influenza. Cleo joins the red cross effort. after Cleo does exactly what I want her too (mentioned in the spoiler above.) Everything is turning serious... people are dying and Cleo is deciding to do something about it. and I am like:


Cute boy turns up, doctor in training, and a world war 1 vet. I have to say I loved Edmund.



But I guess Edmund isn't in the military anymore... So I guess I'll join the red cross...


You know I loved this book. Up until the end. I mean way to drop the ball on us. It just dropped off. Not in a good way. It felt like the author had a rushed deadline to get it done. This was so upsetting to me. To have such a great book up until the end is just so annoying. Sigh. I wont say what happens because it's supposed to be a big reveal. Anyway I am done talking about this book. Now how about listening to 1D?

And one more rant before 1D:
I was highly annoyed because this book supports having tiny families. Mary stopes is mention for no point in the plot but to be there and say having 2 kids is more than enough. I come from a big family, and I really didn't think this was necessary.

Okay, your free, 1D is waiting....

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine debut novel that highlights the Spanish Flu of 1918- 1920.The book skims many other topics - Prohibition, WW1, private schools, gender roles, the Red Cross, birth control (Sanger) and new technology. Some of the topics are mentioned in passing and not developed much, but that's okay with me; a teacher could use this to further discuss these issues with students. In fact, the author's development of the flu and its horrific impact is often provided in a short manner. There is no lingering over individual cases or offering long descriptions. I found this disconcerting at first until I realized that this is exactly how that time period must have been given that 30 - 50 million worldwide died from this flu. Cleo doesn't have time to linger over each case because there is always another sick person waiting for help. Despite the brief descriptions, the author still offers vivid accounts of the flu's victims, and it's easy to see why paranoia reigned. Until I read this book, I never thought about how difficult it would be for undertakers to keep up with the body count so that burials were delayed or mass graves were used. I cannot imagine the horror this would have created for families.

Cleo's a strong narrator whose passion, courage, and (sometimes) naivete make her voice engaging and believable for her age. The author (again, never preaching and highlighting it only in passing) delves into moral dilemmas - Are we responsible for sick relatives? Do we have a responsibility to help those who are suffering? Is is dishonorable to profit from other's misfortunes? Is it fair to lie, cheat, and steal in the name of self-preservation?

If I were a social studies teacher, I would want to use this book to introduce the topics and then have students research them more.

[Julia (Pages for Thoughts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo is such an inspiration to humanity and I pray that there are more girls like her in the world right now. Her passion for helping people and doing the right thing no matter consequence to herself is enormous. I was so nervous for Cleo near the end! There is also surprisingly a lot of depth to Cleo, who ends up dealing with her traumatic past. Besides Cleo, it was the relationships that made this story extraordinary. The friendships and bonds that these volunteers made and the courage they gained together created the inspirational tone. Edmond is such a sweet guy, and I love the gradual increase in romantic intensity.

The amount of research and dedication the author spent on this is obvious, as the exact horrific details of the illness are described- I actually learned a ton about viruses reading A Death-Struck Year and I found it fascinating. The imagery of these people dying was astonishing and startling. I loved how this book managed to be very descriptive, but not too gory. One lesson I've learned from reading this book is knowing that viruses like the Spanish Flu and the Coronavirus pandemics are not the end of the world, despite how it may seem that way in the overwhelming moment.

You can read this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com

[viktoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: if you're not that interested in epidemics and/or pandemics, and prefer them in the backdrop of your story, this is probably not the book for you. I, on the other hand, love them, and I love the 1918 flu pandemic and WWI even more. (Is it weird that I have favorite pandemics? Probably.) Lucier includes so much detail in her portrayal of Cleo's volunteer work and the hospital, and I cherished every moment of it. On top of all that fun, the main character, the supporting characters, and the romance all worked for me. It was super cute, which is weird to say considering the subject matter, but true all the same.

P.S.: Yes, I did read this during flu season, when the 2017-2018 flu season has been unusually more active than usual, because this is who I am.

[Meredith Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I intentionally read this for my last novel of 2020. Yes, it was a surreal experience reading a fictional account of the 1918 pandemic while experiencing the 2020 pandemic first hand.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find des Buach eig sehr guat, es isch guat gschrieben, hot guate Charaktere und di Story isch a guat gemocht. I hats net gelesn, wennis net fu Deitsch aus getun hat, ober es wor decht sehr guat. I hons gern gelesn. Logisch wors a traurig, also wirklich sehr emotional

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book ended up being a lot better than I thought it would be. I read In the Shadow of Blackbirds earlier this year and was very disappointed by it. It was a paranormal romance that just happened to be set during the Spanish Flu epidemic. Then I tried to read As Bright as Heaven and simply could not get into it. Many of the chapters were narrated by young children and I couldn't stand reading about their dolls.

So it was with much trepidation and a decent helping of pessimism that I started A Death-Struck Year, but my fears were assuaged almost at once. It was beautifully written, narrated by a relatable character, and filled with the real horrors of the Spanish Flu. There were no ghosts, no seances, and no fluff. The book is short, to the point, and absolutely lovely. I was enthralled with Cleo's story from the beginning and I wish there were sequels. I'd love to know what happens in the next decades to these people.

Beware: there are some very gruesome scenes and even though this is technically YA literature, I wouldn't recommend it for younger teens or kids. There is some deep stuff in it, and quite a bit of gore. Other than that, I highly recommend it.

[Karoline Tyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potential Spoilers!!
This review has some spoilers at the end but I labeled where they pop up.

Cleo Berry is a seventeen year old girl living with her uncle and aunt in Portland, Oregon during 1918. When her aunt and uncle travel for a much needed vacation, Cleo is forced to take residence at her school. Not long after she arrives, the Spanish Influenza presents itself in Portland and Cleo makes the decision to join the Red Cross.

As of lately, I have been on a huge historical fiction kick, so when I saw A Death-Struck Year I knew it was going to make it onto my list. The 1910s is one of my absolute favorite time periods in American history. It's rich with culture, politics and scientific advancements. I was delighted to find a young adult novel that was based around the Spanish Influenza as it was a horrific disease that affected not only the young and elderly, but perfectly healthy, young adults as well.

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book: it was a quick and easy read, the plot in itself supported the women's rights movement, and the romance was not over done, just to name a few. One thing I really loved about this book was that the facts and information about the Spanish Influenza were easily integrated into the story. It didn't feel as if the main character, Cleo, was spewing facts about the epidemic towards the reader, but rather that the reader was learning the information just as Cleo was. It was very clear that the author did extensive research on the topic before writing A Death-Struck Year. Often times when I read historical fiction I look up information about the time period/event in history to see how accurate the literature is and I was definitely not let down during this book.

****!!!SPOILERS AHEAD!!!****

There were two things that I was slightly dissatisfied with in regards to the ending of the book. Throughout the book, like many people her age, Cleo struggles with determining what she wants to do with her life. I was hoping that by the end of the book she would have used her experiences as a Red Cross volunteer to help her find her path. The other thing I was slightly disappointed about was her relationship with medical student Edmund. The relationship was sweet and very time-period appropriate but it felt a little unfinished. In my opinion, it was unclear whether or not they would continue their relationship after Edmund left Portland.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed A Death-Struck Year. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy the 1910s, the Spanish Influenza, and are looking for a fun read about the era and epidemic.

[Aoi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

A Death-Struck Year is the latest in a line of Love-in-the-times-of-epidemic stories. The historical setting is well-researched and put together; the drama that was the times make it an engrossing read.

Except--

The author makes a job of 'telling' instead of 'showing'. She mentions in passing Cleo's deep friendships with the girls at school, her run-ins with various people across town etc. Apart from the bond with her brother Jack, I failed to connect with any of the characters. And when people started dropping like flies all over the place, both Cleo and I were strangely detached from it all. I just feel that time could have been invested in making that connection felt, instead of focusing exclusively on the influenza timeline.

Cleo, as a character, was underdeveloped. Her motivations in joining the Red Cross were to compensate for her lonely childhood. From Day 1, she was in the thick of action, exposing herself to infection left,right and center. Yet, the conflict- being face-to-face with one's mortality and wanting to escape from the hellish place, was never felt.

The book is set in freaking year 1918. The shifts of the Great War, and its happenings had an effect on the way people breathed, ate and slept. Here the war seemed like an afterthought - casual mentions of friends' brothers gone to France, smart khaki uniforms and war wounds. Where were the newspaper headlines of daily war updates, people waiting with bated breathe for a telegram, the politics, the PTSD? The recreation of the at-home atmosphere could not hold a candle to that in Rilla of Ingleside.

In the end, the book came up short in tackling a weighted subject like the Spanish Influenza and the Great War. It tried to be objective about the subject matter, cutting bits and pieces from everywhere; when in reality the two parts were inseparable. Ultimately there is so much of potential lost- I found myself reading the book more on what-it-might-have-been rather than what-it-was. The whole drama and romance and sheer tragedy of the people that lived and died in that era was lost.

[Maja (The Nocturnal Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been quite a few good books about Spanish Influenza in the last few years, but A Death-Struck Year stands out among them as unusually realistic. Put simply, it is a story about unlikely heroes, regular people who chose to help others when help is most needed, regardless of the danger. A Death-Struck Year is about a teen girl who joins the Red Cross volunteers during the outburst of Spanish Influenza in Portland, despite being far too young to do so. I myself have spent many, many years volunteering for the Red Cross, and although my work was much simpler and far less dangerous, I loved seeing these people portrayed in such a wonderful way.

Just like everything else in this book, Cleo struck me as an unusually realistic character. She wasn’t particularly bold and she didn’t make the decision to help rashly. She was scared and uncertain like any other sane person would be, but she swallowed her fears, hid her age, and volunteered to help where help was most needed. It’s people like Cleo who are true heroes of every story, and I appreciated her uncertainty just as much as I appreciated her courage.

The romance is subtle and uncomplicated, strong and reliable, and certainly not at the forefront of anyone’s mind at such a terrible time. Cleo and Edmund both have their hands full caring for the sick, which leaves them very little time to spend together and get to know each other, but his constant concern for her and vice versa is touching. Lucier chose to make her romance as straightforward as possible, leaving the drama completely out of the picture. The focus was always on the devastating effect the Spanish influenza had on Portland in October and November of 1918.

Because of its realism, A Death-Struck Year has tremendous educational value. It’s obvious from this debut that Makiia Lucier is a very promising young writer from whom we can expect many more extraordinary novels. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m conflicted about how I want to review this because of the historical aspect. Most people know about the Spanish Influenza and I think that the author relied heavily on this because there isn’t very much talk about it nor about Cleo’s background. However, it’s a fairly strong novel and I can’t wait to see what Lucier comes out with next.

A Death-Struck Year starts out actually quite boring. I felt myself quickly lose interest and shaking my head saying, “this is why I don’t read historical fiction!” Until well into the novel when things quickly started to pick up. Cleo and Jack are siblings and of course they care for each other but I would have liked some more of a background story to their relationship, they felt more like good friends than family to me.

Cleo Berry is one hell of a character. She’s strong and committed, doing things that many people would never even think about doing. I loved the relationship between Cleo and Edmund because of how well done it is despite the times where is felt contrived, it’s realistic and doesn’t take over the story. In fact, all of the characters are realistic and were fun to read about their different lives and how they all came together to help those in need. Another thing that I enjoyed was the writing, it’s fairly smooth and Lucier effortlessly added the right amounts of emotion to her work to make things shift in her favour.

Overall, I was shocked by how well written this novel is and how much it exceeded my expectations. As a person who never reads anything historical fiction outside of school, I think that this novel has open my eyes to see that some historical fictions are quite well done and realistic. I recommend this to anyone who knows about the Spanish flu and love historical fiction novels that are realistic and don’t have a lot of romance to it

[Jill Robbertze · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't at first realize that this was a simple romance really targeting young adults. The story is set against the backdrop of the factual Spanish Flu pandemic that claimed so many lives in the early 20th Century. Sometimes it's nice to read something light and easy-going and for this I enjoyed it. A good debut novel that I think young readers will enjoy.

[Kelly Gunderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out this, other reviews, and more fun bookish things on my young adult book blog, Here's to Happy Endings!

***Actual Rating: 3.5/5 Stars***

A Death Struck Year was one of those books that I bought ages ago, but kind of just sat on my shelf and never got read until recently. I'm not always big on historical fiction, and I really have to be in the mood for it, because I know there is a lot of stuff to pay attention to. That being said, when I did read A Death Struck Year, it was kind of on a whim (okay, I let my kids pick a book for me to read because I couldn't decide on one), so maybe the fact that I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped may have stemmed from that.

Cleo Berry and her brother and sister-in-law all live together in a nice house. She is a seventeen-year-old-girl who is witnessing the beginning of a pandemic - the Spanish Influenza. While at first she isn't too worried -after all, New York and Philadelphia are both incredibly far away from Oregon - eventually the cases begin to show up a little too close for comfort. When her school is quarantined, she has no interest in staying there, choosing to sneak out and go home to ride it out there.

My schoolmates at least had an inkling of a plan. I had nothing. No plan. No dream. No calling. The uncertainty bothered me, like a speck in the eye that refused to budge.

However, it doesn't quite work out the way she plans. The Red Cross announce that they need volunteers to care for the sick and to help educate those in the area, as well as go around looking for victims of the flu. Cleo, who doesn't feel like she has anything else to offer, decides that she wants to sign up to be a part of the Red Cross's efforts - and since her brother and his wife are out of town, there isn't anyone around to stop her. So she follows what she believes is her calling.

She meets a new friend and a boy who she doesn't plan to fall for, but does. All the while, she learns devastating news about how the Spanish Influenza if affecting those around her, and is forced to come to terms with the harsh reality that is sweeping across the nation.

I'm not exactly sure why I didn't fall in love with A Death-Struck Year. I love books that deal with topics such as the one here, but for some reason, I just couldn't get into it. There were moments when I found myself incredibly sad and feeling the emotions of the main character, Cleo, but I didn't really feel like I connected to her, either.

This book was really detailed when it came down to the flu itself - there was a lot of talk about it, how it spread, and how it affected people. It was actually very frightening to think about...it really makes you consider your own mortality.

The romance aspect of this book was kind of brief, but at the same time it felt overwhelming. There was no chemistry between Cleo and her love interest, and it felt kind of forced. I didn't enjoy that part of the book at all. I kind of wish the author had just skipped the whole love interest thing and focused on the historical concept and the friendship, even.

The friendship aspect between Cleo and the girl she is paired with while she is volunteering with the Red Cross is both heartwarming and heartbreaking; it was the kind of friendship that you love to read about.

All in all, I feel like the novel really tried to cram too many elements into one story. There was the historical concept, the horrifying Spanish flu, a friendship, and a romance. Since the book wasn't really that long, most of it kind of felt stunted, as though there could have been so much more attention paid to all of these ideas, lengthening the book and maybe giving it a little more substance.

The afterword in the book explains the Spanish Flu, which is helpful for those who may not know much about it. It's definitely something you should read after reading the story; don't skip it, because it really gives you an insight as to how awful this pandemic really was.