Emily St. John Mandel did an exquisite job fulfilling the Choate summer reading requirements with an interesting and intriguing novel. However, Choate students were not the only readers impressed with the compelling book Station Eleven. The novel starts with the death of an influential actor and quite important character named Arthur Leander. His death also marks the start of a flu that wages war with humanity. Readers follow a the traveling symphony in this deserted world looking for lost friends and civilization. The symphony that performs the old tale of King Lear face trouble and tragedy along their fight for survival, and begin to discover unfathomable connections between Arthur and the world they live in.
When Arthur Leander drops dead during a theatre performance many people are left in shock, partly because the manner of his death as well as his lack of relatives he possesses. Shortly after his death the world is hit with the most destructive virus ever experienced by mankind, leaving humanity in ruin. Twenty years later we are reunited with a actress who was present during the death of Arthur and the production of King Lear. This girl by the name Kirsten Raymonde is part of The Traveling Symphony that we follow throughout most of the novel. Through the memories possessed by those who were close to Arthur, we begin to acquaint ourselves with the personal life of Mr. Leander.
The Traveling Symphony embarks on a perilous journey in hope to find their friends. The group travels to Saint Debora by the water due to clues leading to the location of old members. The symphony encounters a prophet who has the motive to sabotage anyone that does not hold similar beliefs. Reaching their final destination, the prophet becomes an obstacle in the way of the symphony's main goal.
Mandel does an efficient job telling the tale of the symphony. Readers are introduced to the group around twenty years after they had formed. She shares the group's past experiences through memories and small detail. Readers learn the personalities and interests of each member. Moreover, the group does not refer to the members by their name, but instead the instrument in which they play. Mandel does a terrific job following the traveling symphony while also adding a thrilling twist to the dangers they face.
On the other hand, Mandel confused readers through the structure of the book. She did not follow a certain order, but instead she jumped all over the place. She also includes several flashbacks that may not have been relevant to the storyline. After sharing the events directly during the strike of the disease, she fails to return to characters that readers follow during this period, without closure. It was impressive the way Mandel tied the book together, but following each and every story line, as well as character, was surely difficult.
On the other hand, Mandels choice to only follow this small group was intelligent. Instead of focussing on the big picture and the other events that may have been happening after the apocalypse had stricken, she treasures one special group. The Traveling Symphony holds value and becomes a very important figure as the story continues. The way the group has dedicated their lives to performing in such a time of survival was astonishing. The performance of King Lear is the only thing that the members have to love for. The idea of making the book exciting was clearly important to Mandel as she had added twists and turns on a regular basis. Creating an exhilarating feeling at the end of every page.
Reading the book Station Eleven will not fail to excite you throughout your reading experience. The book is well constructed and leaves an interesting storyline unlike anything written before. Although confusing readers at times, overall Mandel did a wonderful job writing the novel Station Eleven.
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