The Fever (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
The Fever is a novel authored by American writer Megan Abbott, initially released in 2014 through Little, Brown and Company. This work marks Abbott's seventh published novel.
Plot
Deenie Nash, a conscientious student from a tightly bonded family, experiences upheaval when her closest friend suddenly endures an unexplained seizure during class. As additional girls in the community begin to display strange symptoms, medical authorities are perplexed and parents grow increasingly concerned. The resulting panic uncovers hidden truths that jeopardize relationships, family ties, and the town’s delicate equilibrium.
Background and publication
The inspiration for Megan Abbott’s novel came from the 2012 incident of mass hysteria in Le Roy, New York. The book was brought to market by Little, Brown.
Reception
The Fever was met with widespread critical praise, earning starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Library Journal. It featured on multiple 2014 best-of-the-year compilations from sources including the Los Angeles Review of Books, Grantland, The Boston Globe, The Globe and Mail, the Sun Sentinel, Parade, School Library Journal, and NPR.
Booklist commended it as "a compelling depiction of community," whereas Kirkus recognized Abbott as "an exceptional guide" through a realm filled with envy and adolescent emotions. Library Journal regarded it as Abbott's finest work to date. According to The New York Times, she is "a masterful storyteller" delivering a "captivating and disturbing" narrative.
While Publishers Weekly acknowledged Abbott’s precise rendering of teenage complexities, it suggested the story lacked some depth, ultimately describing it as "an enthralling tale driven by sharp betrayal, jealousy, hormones, and teenage insecurities." Entertainment Weekly awarded the novel a B+ grade.
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Strand Critics Award for Best Novel | Template:Nom |
| 2015 | ITW Thriller Award for Best Hard Cover Novel | Template:Won |
| Folio Prize | Template:Nom |