Station Eleven is a science fiction novel about a period time when a deadly pandemic kills most of the humans on the planet and the years afterward as the survivors come to grips with a new world. This is not a new plot line, but the author chooses a different path from the classics of this sub-genre like The Stand, The Road, and dozens of other dystopian stories.

The book focuses on a small group of people who are part of a live stage production prior to the outbreak. Some are survivors and the book follows their lives before and after the pandemic. One of the lead characters becomes part of a traveling theater/symphony going between survivor towns in Ohio. Interwoven into the lives of the lead characters is a pair of graphic novels/comic books written by one of the characters. They are science fiction stories that are preserved and read by some of the lead characters. There are parallels between the comic book plot and themes and the events and challenges of the post-pandemic world as seen by the main characters. All of this seems like an unlikely premise, but the author skillfully weaves the stories of the characters lives in the past and the present to provide themes of humanity, beauty, art, friendship, and compassion.

There is a measure of conflict, hardship, cruelty, and anarchy in the new world, but the story focuses on the people that choose community, common values, culture, and hope. There were times that I was skeptical about the author’s approach, but by the end I found myself surprised and appreciative for this vision of mankind. It was a refreshing read and is recommended – 4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5