This short novel is incredibly immersive and creepy. Schweblin is an expert at building a realistic sense of dread. Fever Dream doesn't go one page without unsettling detail - everything about this vacation town seems like a potential threat.

Almost immediately in the story, it becomes apparent that something is wrong with Amanda. Carla's son David urges Amanda to recount her memories so that she can discover why her body is failing. What happened that is making Amanda so disoriented? Where is her daughter Nina? When Amanda finally gets her answers, the devastating nature of the truth hits her and readers like a ton of bricks. Mothers can't always protect their children, and perhaps that's the most horrifying thing of all.