Litercurious Book Review
| Title | Wonder Drug: The Secret History of Thalidomide in America and its Hidden Victims |
| Author | Jennifer Vanderbes |
| Publisher | Random House (June 27, 2023) |
| Format | Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook |
| Pages | 432 |
| Genre | Medical History, Biographies of Medical Professionals, Women’s Studies, Medical Ethics, Women in History |
| Language | English |
| ASIN# | B0BG14PNPY |
AUTHOR‘S BIO: JENNIFER VANDERBES
Jennifer Vanderbes is an author who has also worked as a journalist and screenwriter. Her written work has been translated into sixteen different languages. Her work can ce found in such august publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Granta, and Best New American Voices have all featured her writing. She has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, and her work on Wonder Drug earned her the title of NEH Public Scholar.
Vanderbes is a distinguished author whose literary works are known for their depth and sensitivity in dealing with complex historical and ethical issues. Her educational background at Yale and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop has equipped her with the tools to explore and articulate intricate narratives. Vanderbes has consistently demonstrated her literary prowess, beginning with her acclaimed debut, “Easter Island,” and continuing through her subsequent works. Her ability to intertwine emotional depth with historical accuracy has earned her numerous accolades and a respected place in contemporary literature.
SYNOPSIS
“Wonder Drug” by Jennifer Vanderbes was intended to be a biography of Dr. Claire Shipley. However, Vanderbes’ compelling narrative focuses on the titular character of Dr. Frances Kelsey and her diligent efforts and investigation that exposed Thalidomide’s dangerous side effects and far-ranging complications. What began as a biography quickly transformed into an examination of the ‘miracle drug’ Thalidomide and revealed a trail of dirty tricks that exposed the deeply disturbing machinations, misinformation, and disinformation by a large and influential pharmaceutical company.
Initially touted as a sleep aid, a risk-free sedative, and safe even for children, Chemie Grünenthal released Thalidomide under the trade name Contergan. It was later mass-marketed as an antiemetic for morning sickness relief. The chemical company utilized post-war Nazi scientists to synthesize Thalidomide.
In 1962, the drug was on the verge of completing the licensing process to authorize its use in the USA. The drug may have caused serious harm if it weren’t for the commendable efforts of doctor Frances Kelsey from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She wisely denied permission to sell the drug until the distributor, William Merrill Company, thoroughly tested it.
Thalidomide was already used in 46 other countries and would eventually become available in 50. Doctor Kelsey’s action was instrumental in limiting the devastating outcomes in different nations. Thus, through her attention to detail and proactive stance, she minimized the disturbing birth defects of the drug, effects that included miscarriages, stillbirths, limb malformations, deafness, blindness, and internal disabilities.
Kelsey’s robust and conscientious efforts revealed the horrific reality that there was evidence of government and corporate pharmaceutical organizations engaged in a cover-up to conceal the drug’s ability to cause life-limiting severe birth abnormalities. The proof that she revealed was so compelling that she felt obliged to block the release of Thalidomide in the USA.
Vanerbes excoriates both the government and big pharma’s involvement that led to tragic and avoidable consequences. What follows is a titanic fight that ends with Vanerbes challenging the specious machinations of the drug company, resulting in the empowerment of the victims of Thalidomide.
CONCLUSION
In “Wonder Drug,” Jennifer Vanderbes masterfully confronts the Thalidomide tragedy, offering a poignant and in-depth exploration of its far-reaching consequences. Her portrayal is not just a historical recounting but a deeply empathetic narrative that gives voice to the survivors and their families. The book is a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities of scientific advancement and the profound impact of medical negligence.
Vanderbes’s writing is both powerful and poignant, capturing the tragedy of Thalidomide with a sensitivity that resonates with the reader. She skillfully balances the narrative between the scientific aspects of the drug’s development and the deeply personal stories of those affected. “Wonder Drug” is a significant work that highlights a dark chapter in medical history and honors the resilience and courage of Thalidomide survivors. This biography is a testament to Vanderbes’s ability to tackle challenging subjects gracefully and empathetically, cementing her status as an important voice in contemporary literature. This expanded review provides a deeper insight into the thematic exploration of the Thalidomide disaster in “Wonder Drug,” underscoring Jennifer Vanderbes’s skill in handling complex and sensitive historical issues with empathy and depth.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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