Nemesis (2010)

by Phillip Roth

This is a lyrical, suspenseful evocation of the polio epidemic that raged in the U.S. Northeast during the summers of the 1940s. It captures the fear and paranoia that gripped the populace. Nemesis recalls Camus' The Plague, but to me is a more direct, impactful book. It focuses on the experience of being in and near the epidemic's eye. Perhaps, it's best to just read it without the benefit of reviews (so as to savor its tone and the story's development). However, if you want a review, here's a link to:

NY Times Review