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

5.0

Wow! I knew this was a post-apocalyptic book, but it was so much more for me! The basic story follows a Traveling Symphony after a flu pandemic wipes out the majority of the population. The survivors have banded together in settlements and the symphony travels around performing music and Shakespeare.

Right off the bat it was a little confusing because the timeline jumps from pre-flu, to post-flu, to the night of the breakout. A lot of people are introduced quite quickly and the story takes off running. Soon enough, though, you get to know the characters and can settle in to the pacing and follow along much easier.

I absolutely loved Mandel's writing. I found it simple, but not simplistic. She was able to create such emotion in me without being overly descriptive or wordy. I honestly was creeped out quite a few times, which I didn't expect, but I loved!

At first I found the ending to be much quieter and more hopeful than the rest of the book. It took me a minute to realize I loved it. I wanted a bit more sparkle and shine at first, but ultimately loved how it ended.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book and I will be reading more from this author.