<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fever-Heartland-Klans-Plotted-America/dp/0735225261">A Fever in the Heartland</a> 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.

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.

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.

Dark / Informative / Mysterious / Unnerving

**Timothy Egan**  
An accomplished author and former reporter with The New York Times, Egan utilizes his journalistic research skills and narrative style to document the rise and fall of D. C. Stephenson.

**D. C. Stephenson**  
An itinerant and charismatic leader, Stephenson ascends to power within the Indiana Klan, using his oratory skills and manipulation to further his personal ambitions.

**Madge Oberholtzer**  
A young and independent woman involved in a government-funded literacy program, whose interactions with Stephenson become pivotal to the narrative.

**Hiram Evans**  
The national leader of the Klan based in Atlanta, who attempts to maintain the organization’s public image amidst the unfolding scandal involving Stephenson.

**William Remy**  
A determined young prosecutor in Indiana, who achieves a significant legal victory against Stephenson despite facing considerable challenges.

**George Dale**  
A committed newspaperman from Muncie, who persistently combats the influence of the Klan through his steadfast journalistic efforts.

**Patrick O’Donnell**  
An Irish American attorney and vocal opponent of the Klan, who uses his publication to challenge and counter the organization’s ideology.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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Book Brief A Fever in the Heartland

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A Fever in the Heartland Summary and Study Guide

Background

A Fever in the Heartland Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “An Empire of Hate”

Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 4

A Fever in the Heartland Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-11

A Fever in the Heartland Part 1, Chapters 5-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Monster of the Midway”

Part 2, Chapters 12-15

A Fever in the Heartland Part 2, Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-18

A Fever in the Heartland Part 2, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Reckoning”

Part 3, Chapters 19-23

A Fever in the Heartland Part 3, Chapters 19-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 24-Epilogue

A Fever in the Heartland Part 3, Chapter 24-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

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Themes

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A Fever in the Heartland Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Fever in the Heartland Important Quotes

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A Fever in the Heartland Essay Topics

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Timothy Egan

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Guide

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A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them

Book Brief

A Fever in the Heartland

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