Saving the World by Julia Alvarez is historical fiction based on the voyage made by Dr. Francisco Balmis at the turn of the 19th century to bring the small pox vaccine from Spain to the New World. Twenty-two young orphan boys were brought on the journey to be live carriers of the vaccine, accompanied by one woman, Isabel, who was their rectoress.

Alvarez weaves a present day story in with this account, of a writer named Alma, whose husband goes to her native country, The Dominican Republic, to help set up a health clinic and gets caught up in a hostage situation there.

I loved the account from the past, but the present day part of the story was quite depressing. Alvarez is a wonderful writer,  and although I liked this book, it is not my favorite of hers. Still, a worthwhile read that brings light to this fascinating expedition to try to save the world.