Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Parina – Grade 11
Rating: 3/5
Station Eleven is an apocalyptic novel. The novel starts off in Toronto, a day before the world goes into chaos. Arthur Leander, a famous actor, dies on stage during his performance of King Lear. The next day, it hits the news that a disease has come; many people are already suffering. Throughout the novel, we follow Arthur Leander and his past, and the present struggle that man people face through the Travelling Symphony. A group of artists who put on live performances to different “towns” in hopes to bring some light into their day.
I loved the way the novel jumped back and forth through Arthur Leander. Every flashback connected to a character we would see in the present, whether that character accurately had a relationship with him or not. Mandel’s writing is so eloquent, and her prose leave the reader thinking beyond the surface. This novel was absolutely chilling, considering the current climate. I think if someone were to read this at the beginning of the pandemic, it would have left them with a greater worry. I rated this novel a three out five. It was a fantastic novel; however, at some points, it felt like the novel was being dragged out.
I would highly recommend this novel to those who love reading apocalypse settings and the collapse of civilization. There is adventure and romance in this novel. The novel also discusses a lot about the idea of history and family. This book is designed for everyone; you can find your favourite genre mixed in here. This novel is a slow read. If you like fast-paced books, I would not recommend this book to you.