57 pages • 1 hour read
Timothy EganA Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan, David C. Stephenson, a charismatic conman, becomes a powerful leader of the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana during the 1920s, exploiting racial fears to expand the Klan's influence before his violent crimes against Madge Oberholtzer lead to his downfall, ultimately contributing to the Klan's decline. The book includes graphic discussions of racism, violence motivated by racism, alcohol addiction, suicide, domestic violence, and multiple acts of sexual assault, including rape.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan has been praised for its gripping narrative and in-depth research, painting a vivid picture of America's past racial tensions. Some critics argue that it occasionally falls into repetitiveness and lacks new insights for those familiar with the era. Overall, it is appreciated for its compelling storytelling and historical relevance.
Who Should Read A Fever in the Heartland?
A reader who would enjoy A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan is likely interested in American history, social justice, and the fight against extremism. Fans of works like The Ghosts of Eden Park by Karen Abbott and The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson will find this book compelling for its gripping narrative and historical insights.