Lit Lawvers discussion

An audacious, darkly glittering novel set in the eerie days of civilization's collapse, Station Eleven tells the spellbinding story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity.

Spanning decades, moving back and forth in time, and vividly depicting life before and after the pandemic, this suspenseful, elegiac novel is rife with beauty. A novel of art, memory, and ambition, Station Eleven tells a story about the relationships that sustain us, the ephemeral nature of fame, and the beauty of the world as we know it.

Hey--you've picked a book on my TBR list! I know I've been an absentee group member but I'll be there for this one, though I might be a little late starting it (I'm 2nd in the hold list at the library, but it's on a 2 week checkout cycle so I should get it by mid-month or sooner).

This is one of most enjoyable books that I have read recently.

It will be an interesting comparison between this books look at the crushing end of civilization and next month's On the Beach.

I promised myself I would finish Ulysses first, but I can tell by reading the first few chapters that this could be a book that is hard to put down.

You'll enjoy Station Eleven much more than Ulysses.

"Survival is insufficient."

This is one of my favorite lines. One thing that I have not gotten my head around is the title of the book. What is the metaphor of the Station Eleven comic books? How does the Undersea connect to the events of the novel?

I'm about a third of the way into it and am wondering about that too, as well as why Arthur, who dies just as the plague begins, has played such a prominent role in the story so far. Also: worried about that doomsday cult; I'm sure we haven't seen the last of them.

I've finished the book but am still working through a few things in my head. Station Eleven is, I think, a metaphor for the surviving communities and bits of civilization, beset by the Undersea (the prophet's group, the dangers of life generally in this post-apocalyptic world, etc.). Anything to add to that? I feel like there's more going on here.

Other questions that I have:

- Why is Arthur Leander, who dies just as the plague is starting, such a central figure in this book? He kind of fouled up his life--a metaphor for our society? It's got to be more than just that. Hmm.
- What was the deal with the dust-free, undisturbed child's tea set toward the end of the book? It was kind of a weird little scene--ooh, ghosts?--and then the whole thing just got dropped, as far as I can tell.

"I feel like there's more going on here."

I agree.

As for Arthur, I see some metaphors for art. He was trying to get back to being an actor (i.e. artist) instead of a Hollywood celebrity.

For those of you who want to read it, but have not grabbed a copy yet, Station Eleven is currently on sale for the Kindle for $2.99: http://amzn.to/1DlgnxG

Sorry for the late post, but I just finished after handling a case that took over my life for a month and then getting married last week.

This book reminded me a lot of a television series I loved, LOST. The story was also shown in a non-linear manner and the characters seemed to be separate, but there was always something-sometimes very small-which connected them together.

I agree that the tea set scene was unsettling. I would have been interested to read more about Tyler and his transformation.

It was definitely a thought provoking read, but very enjoyable.

Congratulations Sylvia! Will marriage mean more reading or less reading?

Thanks Doug! Hopefully the reading level will stay the same.

Station Eleven (the graphic novel) epitomized Kirsten's dilemma of not being able to remember much of the world prior to the pandemic. Is it better to forget the past and move on with building a future (Dr. Eleven) or should we try to go back to what we once had (Undersea)? In my mind, Miranda is Dr. Eleven -- after the breakup of her marriage, she builds a completely new and different future. Whereas, Kirsten is the "Undersea". She obsesses over Arthur's life, and in the end (view spoiler)[ she travels to the town that has restored electricity. (hide spoiler)]