This is a heavy read that will potentially trigger painful memories of the Covid pandemic. It was particularly difficult to read just after the 2024 US Presidential election, when the same type of scapegoating and fearmongering of 1347 seems to have won in our modern age. Eleanore is a compelling protagonist and fortunately encounters enough enlightened and open minded people that the bleak atmosphere of the story is somewhat bearable. The story could have gone much darker than it did, and I'm grateful for the hope spots and kindnesses that were highlighted instead.

The dog does not die!

Saskia Maarleveld was an excellent audiobook narrator, as always.