More Deadly Than War

Scientists believe that the Spanish flu pandemic, largely absent from history books, may have killed 100 million people in just two short years, making it more deadly than the Great War raging at the time. Ironically, it was troop movements around the globe that facilitated the virus's spread. The audiobook is narrated primarily by MacLeod Andrews; Adenrele Ojo has the difficult task of breathing life into the timelines and appendices. The story explores the connections between WWI and the Spanish flu, and the historical impact of other pandemics. The statistics surrounding the flu are shocking; however, the audiobook's fact-heavy, nonsequential approach makes it difficult for Andrews's narration to shine. While it is a compelling story, presented with perfect pacing, listeners may find their minds wandering. This year marks the pandemic's 100th anniversary. L.T. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine