Although the story of Earth post-decimation by killer virus has been visited many times by many authors, few have tackled it as well as Ms, Mandel. In her version, Earth's population has been all but eradicated by the Georgian Flu, leaving only a few survivors who, via cautious wandering and/or quarantine areas have clustered together. No explanation is given for the new virus, nor is any needed. Dwelling too much on the science of virology, immunity, and cures can take away from the core of the plot. Kudos to Ms Mandel for avoiding the unnecessary.
"Station Eleven" threads together multiple stories and timelines, from the origination of the outbreak and the central characters' introductions, to the future where a band of artists travel the land keeping the spirit of humanity alive through productions of Shakespeare's plays. Another group of survivors has stayed in a quarantined airport terminal for years, hanging on to their sense of being and community be any means possible.
"Station Eleven" deservedly earned all the praise it has received. It is a refreshing take on the post-killer-virus world, with true heart and soul at its core. Interestingly, even though "Station Eleven" has been a best seller and multiple award winner, it wasn't until Spring of 2015 during her book tour that Ms. Mandel was able to quit her day job as an executive administrator and devote herself completely to writing. She announced this during her stop in Kansas City - no more making travel arrangements for her company while she was on book tour.
For a unique and fascinating divergence into a new genre, try "Station Eleven".
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