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Set against the backdrop of one of the most virulent epidemics that America ever experienced-the 1918 flu epidemic-Thomas Mullen's powerful, sweeping first novel is a tale of morality in a time of upheaval. Deep in the mist-shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest is a small mill town called Commonwealth,
… More »Set against the backdrop of one of the most virulent epidemics that America ever experienced-the 1918 flu epidemic-Thomas Mullen's powerful, sweeping first novel is a tale of morality in a time of upheaval. Deep in the mist-shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest is a small mill town called Commonwealth, conceived as a haven for workers weary of exploitation. For Philip Worthy, the adopted son of the town's founder, it is a haven in another sense-as the first place in his life he's had a loving family to call his own. And yet, the ideals that define this outpost are being threatened from all sides. A world war is raging, and with the fear of spies rampant, the loyalty of all Americans is coming under scrutiny. Meanwhile, another shadow has fallen across the region in the form of a deadly illness striking down vast swaths of surrounding communities. When Commonwealth votes to quarantine itself against contagion, guards are posted at the single road leading in and out of town, and Philip Worthy is among them. He will be unlucky enough to be on duty when a cold, hungry, tired-and apparently ill-soldier presents himself at the town's doorstep begging for sanctuary. The encounter that ensues, and the shots that are fired, will have deafening reverberations throughout Commonwealth, escalating until every human value-love, patriotism, community, family, friendship-not to mention the town's very survival, is imperiled. Inspired by a little-known historical footnote regarding towns that quarantined themselves during the 1918 epidemic,The Last Town on Earthis a remarkably moving and accomplished debut. From the Hardcover edition.
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Add a CommentI heard recently on the radio that monsters like werewolves and vampires were the result of superstitious minds trying to understand the causes of disease and plague. Now that we "know better" we can de-fang these monsters (*cough* Twilight, *cough*) but the specter of a modern plague is made even more scary by how the world works now - sure we can isolate and cure disease, but we also spread it worldwide with the speed of airplanes. All of this has nothing to do with anything other than this book brings up a really scary scenario and then proceeds to call into question the "sensible" and "practical" methods by which the town of Commonwealth tried to protect itself from a disease that could not be stopped. What would we do now that was any different other than carry around buckets of hand sanitizer, like some alcohol gel could protect us against that kind of menace? I thought the part about the war, and the "communist" town, and the American Protective League were interesting, but almost superfluous to the larger plot about Spanish flu. That they really did historically happen at the same time, just makes it all the more frightening.
Interesting concept from which to spin a story - a town that cuts itself off in order to keep the Spanish flu out in 1917-18.
Creepy, but good. Great local history.
Historical novel about the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918; my parents lived through this in Seattle prior to their marriage. The WW I Armistice was signed during this time, just before my Marine Corps father was sent overseas. A riveting story of suspected German spies, draft-dodgers, and conscientious objectors. Local history of Everett lumber strikes, protests & murders.