Samanta Schweblin's Fever Dream, translated by Megan McDowell, is widely praised for its haunting, lyrical prose and suspenseful narrative. Critics admire its ability to evoke dread and its profound themes, but some find the abstract, non-linear plot disorienting. Overall, it's a compelling, though challenging, read that leaves a lasting impression.

A reader who appreciates psychological thrillers, taut narratives, and surreal, atmospheric storytelling would enjoy Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin, translated by Megan McDowell. Fans of works like Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates or Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk would find it captivating.

Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin, translated by Megan McDowell, is a hallucinatory novel set in rural Argentina. Amanda, visiting from Buenos Aires with her young daughter, lies in a hospital bed with poisoning symptoms. Through a feverish dialogue with a mysterious boy named David, the story explores maternal anxiety, environmental pollution, and the blurred line between superstition and reality.

Unnerving / Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Melancholic

- Fever Dream was shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2017, highlighting its global acclaim.

- The novel is originally written in Spanish with the title "Distancia de Rescate," which translates to "Rescue Distance," a concept directly explored in the book.

- Fever Dream was adapted into a film by Netflix in 2021, directed by Claudia Llosa, further expanding the reach of Schweblin's work.

**Amanda**  
A young mother visiting the countryside with her daughter, Nina, whose story unfolds through a hallucinatory state, making her an unreliable narrator.

**Carla**  
A slightly older woman who Amanda befriends during her vacation, known for her glamorous appearance and complicated relationship with her son, David.

**David**  
Carla's young son, who is mysterious and central to the novel’s tension, possibly appearing as a figment of Amanda’s imagination.

**Nina**  
Amanda’s obedient and playful daughter, who shares a close, trusting relationship with her mother during their trip.

**Omar**  
Carla's husband, a former horse breeder whose life is affected by the family's struggles, particularly those involving his son, David.

**Amanda’s Husband**  
A scarcely mentioned figure who is involved in parenting Nina, indicative of the conventional expectation of fatherhood roles.

 Samanta Schweblin

Transl. Megan McDowell

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