Three-Letter Plague: A Young Man’s Journey Through a Great Epidemic by Jonny Steinberg is a powerful and deeply personal exploration of the HIV/AIDS crisis in rural South Africa. Set in the remote village of Ithanga in the Eastern Cape, this nonfiction work follows the author as he befriends Sizwe, a young man reluctant to get tested for HIV despite access to treatment. Through their interactions, Steinberg delves into the cultural, social, and psychological barriers that shape the community’s response to the epidemic, revealing the deep-seated fears and stigmas surrounding the disease.
Blending investigative journalism with intimate storytelling, Three-Letter Plague offers a profound look at the human cost of the epidemic and the struggle between tradition and modern medicine. A deeply insightful read, this book is essential for those interested in public health, African studies, and the complexities of navigating deeply rooted societal beliefs in the face of a global crisis.
