The novel Station Eleven begins on the brink of a post apocalyptic world. When society comes crashing down after the death of actor Arthur Leander many characters are caught in the crossfire. Majorly Jeevan Chaudhary, a paparazzi trained EMT who was forced to say goodbye to world as he barricades himself and his brother in their apartment during the Georgian Flu. And Kirsten Raymonde a child actress who joins a group called the Travelling Symphony at an early age and while spreading art the remainders of society she begins searching for pieces of her past. As the novel spans back and forth through time we learn of Arthur's life and many relationships, Jeevan's struggle as the world begins to die out and Kirsten on her search. And in the end a twist comes to connect them all.
Something I loved about this novel was the characterization. Each one of the characters in this novel as unique and fascinating to read about. In particular my favourite character was probably Kirsten, throughout the novel as she aged she evolved, you saw different perspectives of her. It was also very interesting to see more on her roots. I also liked Arthur, though he wasn't most likable character based on his personality and ideals he was still a very interesting character none the less.
To be honest, there was very little about this novel I didn't enjoy. But if I were to pick one low note of the novel it would be the initial introduction to the Travelling Symphony. At the beginning when you first meet them there are so many people whom you can barely keep track of and you know nothing about how they came together. Some of the members of the group don't have a fully developed personality as they were so minor. However, once we got to know the Travelling Symphony they became very interesting and as the novel began to truly explore there pasts I became much more involved in the characters. But other than that the novel was very well written, this part was bland and not very detailed.
" I had no idea who's perspective it would be told from next or what time period it would occur in which overall just increased my interest in the novel. "
Another thing a loved about this novel was how the plot wasn't linear, in the average book the events follow from the beginning to the end however, in Station Eleven the events are not linear and instead the novel is told from the perspectives of many different characters and eventually all the stories converge so you can imagine a linear timeline. It was very interesting that it was written this way because it leaves the reader guessing how the events are connected since it is known that the events are connected it just isn't known how. This format I felt was also more suspenseful especially since with linear timelines in books you can often predict what will happen next, when I read Station Eleven I had no idea who's perspective it would be told from next or what time period it would occur in which overall just increased my interest in the novel.
Overall, though there is one negative I feel the positives that come with reading this novel are much more rewarding. There is excellent characterization and a creative plot structure which will keep the reader hooked throughout the entire novel. Though at one point the characterization and plot are a little bland the book quickly recovers itself and makes for a fantastic read. I would suggest that all people read this book, Station Eleven is a novel with many high notes. I give the novel 5 out of 5 stars!