Read this when
Fever Dream
If you always know exactly how many seconds it'd take to reach your kid, Schweblin has a name for that: rescue distance. You're not the only one measuring.
Who it's for
Amanda's 'rescue distance', the length of the invisible rope she constantly measures between herself and her daughter Nina, is an instantly recognisable image of parental hypervigilance, and many anxious parents find it validating to see the habit named.
Feelings it meets
What it is
Samanta Schweblin's short novel, first published in Spanish in 2014 as Distancia de rescate and translated into English by Megan McDowell, follows Amanda, who comes to the Argentine countryside with her daughter Nina and constantly measures the 'rescue distance' needed to keep her safe.
Where to find it
In print (Riverhead in the US, Oneworld in the UK); available from libraries and as an audiobook. Not public domain. Netflix film adaptation (2021).
Before you start
Heads up: Poisoning and dying children.
Age: Ages 16+
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, Part 2, Chapter 44
