Station Eleven Book Review's

TK's Book Rating 5/5

This post-apocalyptic novel is incredibly and powerfully complex with parallels steadfastly embedded in Shakespeare's tragedy ‘King Lear’, Miranda's work of science fiction ‘Station Eleven’ and one’s own recent experience of the Covid pandemic; each section is deftly woven into the next, thus ensuring that we never lose sight of the narratives running alongside each other. Written in the third person narrative with numerous flashbacks and flash forwards, it is undoubtedly a dystopian masterpiece that not only entertains but prompts repeated reflection upon one's perception of the true meaning of life. Such is also highlighted in the reference pertaining to a quotation from ‘Star Trek’: “…because survival is insufficient …”; regret and searching for that which has been lost are dominant themes.

One is enraptured from beginning to end with imagery, action and suspense exploding like kaleidoscopic fireworks in this narrative spanning the most woeful spectrum of human experience: loss, oppression, regret, isolation, mortality, terror, confusion, and a myriad of potent emotional experiences that never fail to elicit a lasting interaction. It is harrowing and haunting in its tragic and brutal integrity of reality whilst synchronously portraying the majestic beauty of all that mankind treasures: human interaction, the virtuosity of the multitudinous guises of artistic performance, planet Earth and its opulent diversity of flora and fauna. It shocks, it nudges one’s conscience, it propels one to consider one’s own mortality and painful nostalgia for a ‘lost world’ but it never shrouds the truth in platitudes or pretensions. An evocative and tangible sense of urgency and panic is intertwined with tendrils of hope for the future.

The characters are well-defined and authentic; it is through the sub-plots that Mandel allows one insight into their internal conflicts. Arthur, playing King Lear, is uncannily like him; they are both obsessed with power and ego, constantly seeking affirmation from others. Their self-absorption results in them discarding and hurting those most dear to them; it is only when facing death that they come to realise the futility of their lives and ambitions, and experience true regret for their actions. Lear alienates himself from Cordelia, the daughter who loves him the most; Arthur, too, is filled with regret as he realises that he has been chasing fame and fortune rather than focusing on love and friendship.

In contrast to The Travelling Symphony’s message of creation and hope, the prophet as founder of the cult, is an extremist and fundamentalist, representing fanaticism and destruction; the sense of powerlessness that he creates in his coerced followers is echoed throughout the novel in the impact of the pandemic.

Despite his death in the opening chapter, Arthur remains a central and defining figure throughout, drawing all characters and events together; his list of treasured things parallels the list of things at the beginning of the novel that have been lost since the world ended. Due to Mandel’s magnificent penmanship the narrative has now turned full circle. The experience of having journeyed with these characters will forever remain etched in memory.

Anne's Book Rating 3/5

Not a book for the faint-hearted in this time of a pandemic. I stopped reading part way through but then returned to it. Moving backwards and forwards in time makes the depressing scenario more palatable and hope slowly emerges. The story is cleverly constructed, with threads gradually coming together. Although the characters have some interesting aspects, I did not find them generally empathetic. Overall, I am glad I finished the book but would only recommend it selectively.

Clare Battens book rating 3/5

Very easy to read . Not sure I would class it as science fiction.