Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Monday, January 19, 2015

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel...

How I Heard About It:   One of my favorite things is to follow publications that preview new and upcoming novels.  This title was mentioned in several different sources and became an adult novel on my radar.  I recently purchased it and dived in to see what Station Eleven was all about.

What It Is About:  Arthur Leander is a famous actor that has been in movies and is known world-wide.  He has been married three times which has caused much focus in the tabloids.  In his later years, he is acting in live theater in a production of King Lear.  He collapses on stage and Jeevan, a EMT from the audience, tries to revive him.  Kirsten is a young girl who is an actor in the stage production.  She spends some time with Jeevan on this fateful night at the theater.  This is also the night that a deadly flu hits the United States and causes something that has never happened before in the world.  As soon as people are exposed to the flu, their lives end within days.  Jeevan locks himself in his brother's apartment and Kirsten escapes the city with her older brother.  Arthur's best friend Clark, is on his way back to the United States when he learns of Arthur's death.  He becomes stranded at the airport because of the flu.  Jeevan, Kirsten, and Clark are all fighting for their lives to stay away from the flu.  Kirsten ends up on the road for fifteen years traveling with a group of people called the "Symphony."  Jeevan is on the road also after leaving his brother in the apartment.  Clark remains at the airport where they have created a whole of their own.  One thing is for sure:  none of them know what the future holds.

What I Thought Of It:   After a bit of a slow start, this novel was outstanding.  I normally don't gravitate toward "post-world" type stories, but I'm glad this book has become a part of my library.  The story line was fascinating and the characters were so unique and different.  It was interesting how the main characters all had their own story lines; yet they moved toward an ending that brings them all together in a stunning conclusion.  Having time off today, gave me the day to finish this incredible story.  There is nothing better than having a huge chunk of time to really delve into a story.  

Who Should Read It:  This is the perfect novel for adults that love fiction stories.  It is also for readers that want to take a look into the world after a major flu hits the world.  The novel is so well written that it just flows from page to page.  If you are also a fan of character study, then this is the book for you.  Happy Reading!

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars




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