Review - 'Crisis in the Red Zone: The Story of the Deadliest Ebola Outbreak in History, and of the Outbreaks to Come' by Richard Preston

Crisis in the Red Zone tells of the horrific 2013-2014 Ebola epidemic that engulfed Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and eventually infected almost 30,000 people. While the virus stretched the financial and medical infrastructure of these three countries, the book focuses geographically on the Makona Triangle, where the virus first grabbed hold and exploded, and on Kenema Government Hospital as it quickly became overwhelmed beyond its limits as the only hospital in Sierra Leone with a functional infectious disease unit that could handle Ebola.

What is so riveting about this book is that the virus's effects on humans and its vicious propagation are more horrifying than any fiction epidemic book I've ever read. During the initial outbreak, the international community was not taking this very seriously, and so very little aid arrived from outside. These three countries are relatively poor and have fragile medical infrastructures, which quickly became swamped by the deluge of sick people.

The author takes something happening on a large scale, and brings humanity to it by telling the story through the eyes of the people on the ground: the doctors, nurses, and scientists fighting on the front lines. Their courage is awe-inspiring and their terror is visceral as they battle against this virus that is spreading faster than they can contain and could possibly kill them in the process.

The book delves into the epidemiological roots of the virus, its current mutations, and where it can go from here if we are not careful. It also explores the ethical implications around who to treat if there are limited resources available or if the only potential medicine is unproven and untested against humans.

I found this book to be captivating and informative. It is as gripping as a thriller, but more real and horrifying because it isn't fiction. Whenever I hear of something bad happening in another part of the world, it's easy to feel a sense of distance, as if that could never touch me. The author was masterful in drawing the reader into the minds and emotions of the medical professionals battling Ebola, and making their fight come alive. Those people are the real heroes, and I'm glad their story is being told.

Readaroo Rating: 5 stars!