Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel REVIEW 

Very cool review. I actually read Station Eleven exactly when the covid pandemic was rolling out and countries began locking down etc, and it was a huge punch in the gut to get reminded how everything in our world, and our very humanity can just crumble just like that, all WHILE IT WAS ACTUALLY HAPPENING AROUND ME. In fact, before reading this book I was a a very long hiatus from reading books, and this book drew me in so much that it made me go back to reading books. With its brilliant writing and also with its overall message - survival is not enough. I didn't even know there was hype around it. I was searching for a book to recommed to my sister and went through a lot of book premises to find something I think she would enjoy. Eventually came to this book and her, me and my gf all gobbled up this book like crazy. I absolute loved Mandel's writing style, which doesn't focus on action that much (overall not that much is happening in the book, all things considered), but moving the plot mainly through world building and creating the atmosphere. I was so immersed in the book, maybe the most I have ever been. The philosophy, the main theme and message of the book resonated with me so much, and is the biggest criticism I have for the TV series, which is acted and shot so well but (literally) lost the plot halfway through, and abandoned the main theme of the book. It is an absolutely brilliant book that left a huge impression on me.

Great review! I think you're right in calling it "delicate." It was tender in a way I didn't expect and, maybe due to our own semi-post-pandemic world, felt more immediate and real, like glancing into a near-miss of a parallel universe. I thought the last three chapters weren't ordered properly, though. It felt like we ought to have ended with the Arthur chapter since, by then, we understand everything that would come after. But, maybe considering themes, it was more important to look ahead than look back again. Either way, it made me want to spend more time with loved ones.

I strongly recommend the HBO limited series!

Great video! Always enjoy comparing your thoughts on books to my own. Don't stop posting!

I find it crazy that she predicted people panic buying toilet paper :D

Couldn’t agree with you more. Gorgeous book that has stayed with me in all the best ways. Lovely mini series on HBO, too. (Read the book first. 😄)

I just finished the book in 4 days. It was a really enjoyable read. What I loved is that despite the post-apocalyptic setting, there is a real message of hope at the end (but even throughout the novel), which is often missing in this genre.

I read Station 11 years ago, I can't imagine reading it during or after the pandemic. I remember feeling how overhyped it was, I came into reading it treating it like a plot-driven apocalyptic narrative, which it wasn't, which I think this is where my frustration with it stems. Like there are story threads, characters, or devices, you'd think would lead somewhere but they don't. But watching your review, I guess I missed the whole point of it, because it wasn't about plot but mood and the human condition. I don't think I'll reread it though, too heavy. The museum and the graphic novel were the best things about it for me. As usual I enjoy your reviews, Mr bookchemist! 🙂

You didn’t find the showdown at the end to be anticlimactic? Also, what was the point of the comic book (Station Eleven)? I felt like the comic book could have been left out completely.

Hey! Are you doing any jobs with English literature degree? I'm worried about my career as I'm thinking to come into the English literature. Is your life going well in the case of career?

Thanks for the thoughtful review 👍

Have this one haven’t gotten to yet, read “Glass Hotel” enjoyed that.

love your reviews bro keep it up