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

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

something about finishing a ESJM book in the wee hours of the morning….
This book made me feel a very specific way. It really worried me at first. There was anxiety sitting in my chest. Its virus’s total destruction scared me and reminded me of how I felt in 2020. I think that’s why I rushed to finish the second half. I wanted it to be over. But there were sparks of joy and moments of the beauty of humanity, of the hope of re-starting and of invention that lifted the tone for me. I think Miranda was my favorite character, but just like Sea of Tranquility, I do think this author trades character development for “aha!” moments at the reveals of the connections.

I cannot fathom the difference of reading this book before COVID and now. It’s still almost too much for me. Curious to see how the show will sit with me.
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