A review by mypoormeatball
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is a truly special book. I read it for the first time in 2018 and am re-reading it for the first time. I was curious to see how it hit after the pandemic, especially since I have recommended it for years as one of the most influential and favorite novels I have ever read. It is human and beautiful. 

Here is the spirit of this novel to me:
Imagine, on plain and  warm day, a cherished adult mentor, in their old age, clutches you to their chest in a moment you’re vulnerable — a child, you’re grappling with the kind of profound disappointment and fear of growing up kids can’t always put into words — and as they hold you every memory of their own life and childhood and that of everyone they’ve ever loved,  known in passing, and never met flashes before their eyes and they understand and love you and themselves and everyone on earth better than they could ever put into words. And then they rub you on the head and give you a snack and you feel a little better. They watch you play outside while they sit in a porch chair and think about how you both will be grow forever and ever and ever, warmth squeezing the air out of their heart and lungs.
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