Books matching: pandemic narrative
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- #1
'Phase Six' by Jim Shepard is a novel that delves into the human essence amidst an extraordinary situation, focusing on how individuals persevere in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The book, written before the COVID-19 pandemic but edited to reflect it, presents a well-structured plot with good characterization and pacing. It offers a profound exploration of a pandemic scenario, with significant details on how different agencies work together and the human element involved in such crises.
The writing style of 'Phase Six' is described as extremely well-written, with authentic descriptions of infectious disease and epidemiology processes. The author's narrative is structured interestingly, with short statements loosely linked in time order, providing startlingly insightful thoughts and a self-revealing protagonist. The story line is pessimistic, touching on themes of climate change and the impending doom of humanity, delivered without sensationalism but with a sense of originality.
- #2
The novel 'Lucy by the Sea' by Elizabeth Strout delves into the lives of Lucy and William as they navigate the complexities of their relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The story unfolds in Maine, where they face anti-New York sentiments from neighbors but also find connections with old friends and relatives, highlighting the theme of human connection during times of isolation. Through a monologue-style narrative, the book explores Lucy's reflections on her past, fears, and relationships, painting a vivid picture of life during the pandemic.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Amgash ) - #3
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel set 20 years after a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The story weaves together the lives of various characters before, during, and after the outbreak, exploring themes of survival, hope, community, and the importance of art in a devastated world. The narrative jumps between different timelines, offering glimpses into how individuals adapt to the new reality and find connections amidst chaos.
The novel is praised for its beautiful writing style, rich character development, and intricate plot structure that moves back and forth in time. It incorporates elements like theater, Shakespeare, a symphony, a comic book, and intertwining storylines to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and resilience in the face of catastrophe.
THE KING STOOD in a pool of blue light, unmoored. This was act 4 of King Lear, a winter night at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Earlier in the evening, three little girls had played a clapping game ons... - #4
In 'Salvation City' by Sigrid Nunez, the story follows Cole, a 13-year-old boy who, after losing his parents to a global flu epidemic, finds himself under the care of a Christian Fundamentalist couple in a post-apocalyptic Midwest. The novel explores Cole's journey of adjusting to his new family and community, grappling with his past, and navigating the complexities of faith and morality in a world ravaged by a major epidemic. Nunez's writing style effectively portrays the challenges faced by Cole, the nuanced characters of Salvation City Church, and the bleak yet thought-provoking setting of a society struggling to rebuild after the pandemic.
The first time Cole hears Pastor Wyatt say this he remembers how his mother hated when people said passed, or passed away. He’d come home from school one day and repeated the teacher’s announcement: R... In Ling Ma's 'Severance', the protagonist Candace Chen navigates a post-apocalyptic world where a fever pandemic has decimated the population, leaving only a few survivors. The story follows Candace and a small group of immune individuals as they travel towards safety under the leadership of Bob. Through Candace's reminiscences about her past and observations of the world around her, the novel weaves together themes of routine, consumerism, and the immigrant experience. The writing style is described as darkly humorous, precise, and enthralling, with a focus on the protagonist's introspection and the exploration of modern life amidst a devastating epidemic.
The End begins before you are ever aware of it. It passes as ordinary. I had gone over to my boyfriend’s place in Greenpoint directly after work. I liked to stay over on hot summer nights because the ...- #6
'Zone One' by Colson Whitehead is a literary zombie novel set in post-apocalyptic New York City. The book follows the protagonist, Mark Spitz, as he navigates the aftermath of a zombie pandemic and struggles with Post Apocalypse Stress Disorder (PASD). The narrative weaves in and out of flashbacks, exploring themes of isolation, family dynamics, and the rebuilding of society in a world overrun by zombies. The writing style is described as cerebral, with a focus on character development and introspection, rather than typical horror elements.
He always wanted to live in New York. His Uncle Lloyd lived downtown on Lafayette, and in the long stretches between visits he daydreamed about living in his apartment. When his mother and father drag... - #7
'The Plague Year' by Lawrence Wright provides a comprehensive overview of the events during the COVID-19 pandemic year, combining news, background events, and personal accounts of virologists to create a narrative with the benefit of hindsight. The author, known for his research knowledge and journalist skills, walks the readers through the year, offering technical information along with personal insights. Wright starts at the beginning of the pandemic, detailing the failures of both Chinese and American health officials in recognizing and containing the virus, and delves into the political and bureaucratic obstacles that hindered an effective response. is described as a useful survey of what happened during the pandemic year, highlighting the mistakes, negligence, and the human cost of the crisis.
The narrative in 'The Plague Year' is tight and contained, providing a solid read that documents the COVID-19 pandemic up until Joe Biden's inauguration. lays bare the mistakes and negligence of the past with remarkable specificity, offering a detailed index at the back. While some readers find the book to be more of a general overview of the year lived through, rather than a deep dive into specific aspects of the pandemic, others appreciate its insightful data and conclusions, acknowledging the author's careful reporting and analysis. Overall, the book serves as a guide on what not to do in a health crisis, shedding light on the failures in national leadership and the challenges faced by healthcare workers during the pandemic.
- #8
Holly by Stephen King is a gripping crime thriller that follows protagonist Holly Gibney as she delves into a series of mysterious disappearances that challenge her sanity. The plot is filled with twists and turns, drawing readers into a world of dread and unease where nothing is as it seems. Through Holly's eyes, the novel explores themes such as grief, trauma, and the power of belief, showcasing King's mastery of the horror genre as he weaves a story that is both gory and humanizing. Set during a polarizing time, the book touches upon real-world events like the Covid pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests, adding a layer of topicality to the suspenseful narrative.
"Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How it Changed the World" by Laura Spinney is a gripping account of the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. Spinney delves into the history of the flu, tracing its origins and impact on various countries around the world. She skillfully balances scientific explanations with storytelling, making the descriptions of the flu graphic yet engaging. covers the spread of the Spanish Flu, its three waves, and how it affected different aspects of society, from healthcare to art.
‘In Bangkok,’ wrote the British journalist, Richard Collier, ‘the British Embassy’s doctor, T. Heyward Heys, noted with dismay that almost all his prize roses had withered and died.’ Owls came mysteri...- #10
The novel "Wickett's Remedy" by Myla Goldberg is a story set during WWI in Boston, focusing on the Spanish Influenza epidemic and the patent medicine soft drink industry. The book weaves together the impact of the 1918 influenza epidemic, World War 1, the situation of Irish immigrants in Boston, and the unique experience of the patent medicine industry. The writing style includes sidebars that tell the story from another perspective, such as news reports, personal letters, and sidebar comments from outside the story.
Lydia, the main character, is a young Irish woman living in South Boston before World War I, who gets involved in creating a patent medicine with her husband, Henry Wickett. The story follows Lydia's experiences during the Spanish Influenza Epidemic of 1918 and her journey as she adapts to different circumstances, including working as a nurse on an island conducting experiments on the transmission of the flu.
On D Street there was no need for alarm clocks: the drays, ever punctual, were an army storming the gates of sleep. The wooden wagons were heavy and low-riding with loud rattling wheels, their broad p...