The Air We Breathe: A Novel

'The Air We Breathe' is narrated by an unnamed patient residing in a sanatorium in the Adirondacks as the first World War approaches. The patients, all of whom suffer from tuberculosis, have been sent here by the state; most of them are poor immigrants, many of them Jews, Russians, and Germans. Because of the healthful environment, many private homes in the area also cater to wealthier TB victims. One such home is run by Mrs. Martin, with the help of her teenage daughter, Naomi. When one of her tenants decides to start a Wednesday learning circle at the state institution, the story is set into motion.Although Miles's lectures on fossils initially bore the men, the Wednesday group flourishes when others share their expertise and life stories. There's Ephraim, a communal apple farmer; Irene, the Russian radiologist; and Leo, a former chemist who attracts the romantic interest of both Naomi and her friend Eudora, an aide at the sanitorium who longs to follow in Irene's footsteps. Meanwhile, Miles has fallen in love with Naomi, who has been serving as his driver. As one would expect, conflicts develop from misplaced romantic notions, and even the serene town of Tamarack Lake is not immune to the effects of the rising war in Europe and the political fallout at home.Barrett is often praised for bringing science and technology into her novels, and there are lengthy sections here on chemistry, radiology, fossils, etc. I have to admit that, while I was engaged with the characters, I found the science rather awkwardly integrated and intrusive: it felt like the author was writing a novel to expound on scientific topics rather than writing a novel in which science plays a role.

Refreshing to step out of the modern world and into a sanitorium for indigent TB patients in upstate New York at the start of World War I. Forced into inactivity by the prevailing wisdom on TB treatments --keep 'em 1) flat on their backs to promote blood flow to the infected lungs, 2) calm, and 3) outdoors as much as possible-- this diverse group of immigrants turns to the world of their minds to pass the long hours. No surprise that their human relationships are equally diverting and ultimately destructive to the residents and staff.The story, unfortunately, becomes tedious and confusing at times. I kept hoping that the narrator --a female patient perhaps?-- would soon step out of the background and bring the plot back to clarity and interest. Alas, this never happened, and once again I was left wondering why I don't just borrow books from the library instead of buying them.

This novel is set at in the fall of 1916 at Tamarack Lake's state sanatorium for sufferers of Tuberculosis. The cold mountain air, total rest, and rigid diet were the prescribed cure for individuals who had contracted the disease. Wealthy tubercular patients had the luxury of private cure cottages, but charity patients, who were largely immigrants, filled the state sanatorium. It was a time of discovery and of distrust. Scientific knowledge was increasing as the threat of war loomed. The patients were stuck in the mountains with little news of the outside, so when the opportunity presents itself, they create their own drama.

Kind of a depressing story, and I'm under the impression that a lot of research went into it. My great-grandmother died of tuberculosis in 1911 at a young age, and I understand that she spent a good deal of time in a sanitorium like this one. That's primarily why I bought the book, trying to get a feel for what it was like at that time. The book didn't disappoint me, but I'm not sure that everyone would find this an enjoyable read.

Perspective of sanitariums for tuberculosis and the rising resentment against immigrants was blended magnificently. Loved it and the physics.

Fascinating story of a tb sanitarium and its privileged patients. I have to admit I started skimming half way through. The detail, which started out being fresh and interesting, became tedious as did the characters who were too slowly developed. I think if I had read this thirty years ago, before my attention span shortened, I would have more engaged.

It is also beautifully written by a masterful writer. Knowing a bit about the Adirondacks, I enjoyed Barrett's descriptions of the landscape, smells...the smell of a thousand miles of pines...for instance, and the ever present weather.The characters are sympathetically drawn, even the eventual bad-guy is fully formed. Really this is the kind of luminous book that makes me think that any further writing I do is a complete waste of time. She's that good.

Andrea Barret is a national treasure in these days of anti intellectualism and anti science grabbing government and news channels. . Her work is consistently lovely and informative.