Author: Kate Wilhelm

What would you do if you knew how to give an innoculation that would give immortality to half of those who took it, but killed the other half? And there was no way to know which people would survive the serum?

This book explores the idea of immortality, some of the problems inherent in it, but the main reason I love this book is because of the author's ability to write her characters so well. That and her descriptions of the Northwestern U.S. This is a beautifully written book. It isn't a techno thriller type of science fiction, and in fact, very little of the science involved is described. This is more a what-if scenario. The book was written in the early 80's so the threat of nuclear war that weighs so heavily on the minds of the main characters is not the same as today's concerns. However, with the other worries we have today I think this book still has relevance.

Strong female lead character, highly recommended.