In 'Plague Years', Dr. Ross A. Slotten offers readers a hauntingly beautiful memoir that gives insight into his experiences treating HIV/AIDS at the height of the pandemic in Chicago. As a compassionate family physician who signed more death certificates than anyone else in Illinois during the early 1990s, Dr. Slotten found himself thrust into the heart of a devastating epidemic. Trained to care for patients across their entire lives, he was unprepared to face the staggering loss of his patients, many of whom were vibrant individuals cut down in their prime.
Dr. Slotten's unique perspective as both a gay man and a medical practitioner made him an unexpected pioneer in an era when the medical community often turned away from those living with HIV/AIDS. His memoir spans not only the Chicago landscape but also travels through four continents, painting a vivid picture of the epidemic's widespread impact. The narrative is rich with heartfelt accounts of his patients, weaving stories of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection during a time of fear and prejudice.
From his extensive collection of personal notebooks chronicling over thirty years, Slotten provides intimate portraits that highlight the struggles faced by those marginalized due to their sexuality and health status. Each story underscores the emotional toll taken on both the caregiver and the cared-for, providing a comprehensive view of the epidemic through the lens of its most personal experiences.
Readers will find 'Plague Years' not only an essential recount of a crucial period in history but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit amidst unprecedented challenges. It sheds light on the darkest hours of the LGBT community while also offering glimmers of hope through compassion and understanding. Dr. Slotten's voice is both powerful and necessary, making this memoir a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of love, loss, and healing during one of modern history's darkest chapters.
Praise for Plague Years:
"Plague Years is a remarkable book... There are many truths in this stunning and important book. And there's also hope." —Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune
"A plainspoken memoir of the AIDS onslaught... an important account, and well worth your time." —Benjamin Dreyer, New York Times bestselling author of Dreyer's English
