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Station Eleven

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Emily St. John Mandel

Station Eleven

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

333

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Multiple Locations • Post-apocalyptic

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven, a devastating flu pandemic wipes out the majority of the global population. The non-chronological narrative follows interconnected characters, including a traveling group of musicians and actors called the Traveling Symphony, as they navigate the aftermath, performing Shakespeare and seeking remnants of the old world. The story explores themes of survival, memory, and art's enduring impact. The book includes references to a flu pandemic and suicide.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

611,131 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven receives widespread praise for its lyrical prose and intricate storytelling. Critics commend its exploration of humanity and resilience in a post-apocalyptic world. However, some find the nonlinear narrative disorienting and believe certain characters lack depth. Overall, it's regarded as a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Station Eleven?

A reader who enjoys Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel likely appreciates thought-provoking, character-driven narratives in post-apocalyptic settings. Fans of Emily St. John Mandel’s The Glass Hotel or Cormac McCarthy’s The Road will find its blend of survival, art, and interconnected lives compelling.

4.2

611,131 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Arthur Leander

Arthur is a kind and gifted actor whose charm is tainted by insincerity, affecting his personal relationships. His character connects all other characters in the novel, with his journey illustrating themes of fame, mortality, and personal change.

Kirsten is a passionate actor and a reluctant fighter, who becomes hardened by the post-collapse world but maintains a caring nature, especially towards the younger individuals she encounters after the Georgia Flu.

Miranda is a creative individual with a rich imaginative life, known for creating *Dr. Eleven*. She struggles with insecurities and navigates a series of unsatisfying relationships while focusing her energy on her artistic pursuits.

Tyler, Arthur’s son, transforms into a prophet-like figure post-collapse. Initially a blank slate, he becomes influenced by his mother’s religious views and eventually evolves into a person of significant influence in the new world.

Jeevan is a character who struggles to find his calling, transitioning from a wedding photographer to a paparazzo and then to a journalist before finding fulfillment and purpose as a paramedic, helping others post-collapse.

Clark is Arthur's best friend from their youth, who transitions from a carefree young man to a corporate consultant. After the collapse, he finds meaning by helping to establish a community and preserving cultural artifacts.

The Traveling Symphony is a group dedicated to preserving art and culture in the post-collapse world. They function as a single unit, adapting and evolving to meet the challenges of their changed environment.

Book Details
Pages

333

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Multiple Locations • Post-apocalyptic

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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