I thoroughly enjoyed an article by Lawrence Wright in the New Yorker, prompting me to buy this.The book was very interesting and had a good pace. The various story lines are handled well, giving me a realistic view of the action. Characters are well-developed, and the world painted in the book stayed in the back of my mind after reading. There is an undercurrent of hope and world cooperation which wasn't too sugary-sweet, but--I hope--possibly realistic.During the first chapters, I found myself wishing for more scientific background (which the New Yorker article had). I wasn't disappointed (I just needed a bit more patience ;-). I welcomed the medical background information: I have a daughter away in college during this pandemic and the extra scientific information does come in handy.There was a (misleading) review that I commented on because it almost stopped me from buying this book. I believe the bigots are depicted fairly, and realistically found on all sides of the conflict. The protagonist's best friend is a member of the Saudi royal family, and gives Henry an heirloom Koran, in which he finds solace later on in the book. Pilgrims wound up suffering from the virus in Mecca--but only as victims.