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This is the debut novel of Thomas Mullen. Here is a synopsis from the author’s web site:
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Deep in the mist-shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest is a small mill town called Commonwealth, founded as a haven for workers weary of exploitation. For Philip Worthy, adopted son of the town's founder, it is a haven in another sense - 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 fear of spies rampant, the loyalty of all Americans is questioned. Meanwhile, another shadow has fallen across the region in the form of a deadly illness (the influenza epidemic of 1918) 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 their doorstep begging for sanctuary. The encounter that ensues, and the shots that are fired, will have deafening reverberations throughout Commonwealth, escalating until every value - love, patriotism, community, family, friendship - not to mention the town's very survival, is threatened.
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I had read one of the reviews from Amazon.Com included in the description of the book. It was from Terry Goodman and it makes a great comment about the book.
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Although this is Mullen’s first published work, there are none of the usual verbal pyrotechnics or high-wire “look how well I can write” balancing acts one sees with beginning authors. How refreshing to read a younger author who has already progressed beyond his ego and knows that it’s all about story, story, story. Mullen tells his tale cleanly, simply and plainly - making the ironies and allegories all the more potent.
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This sums up what it was like to read it. I got engrossed in the story, and didn’t need finely tuned prose to enjoy it. (Though I do enjoy finely tuned prose.) I think the book was really well written in manner of pacing and what was told and not told to the reader. It wasn’t a fantastic book, but a very good read nonetheless.
Of course when I say that I enjoyed the book, I mean that I enjoyed learning about the characters, their relationships, and the pitfalls of their actions. In many respects the book has a dark side. It has to. It’s about an epidemic. The epilogue and opening chapter are very dark. I have never read the likes of Steven King or Dean Koontz, but I am sure those two opening sections could be mistaken for a novel along their lines. But it becomes about the characters and their story, not just the horrors they have to deal with.
What helped add to the characters depth, and to the realism of the story, was that even the “good guys” commit bad acts. And the “bad guys” are sticking up for something that in truth was very noble and worthwhile, even though some of their motives were underhanded. It was still easy to side with the good guys, but it helps that you get to know them better through reading it. For me I got attached to them and wanted them to get their way. But the wrongs that they commit gives it the depth and realism that I want out of a book.
Like Terry Goodman goes on to say later in his review, I knew little of the flu epidemic but was enlightened by this book. (Other then the fact that the Stanley Cup Finals that year were canceled due to it.) And I was surprised to see that the reverse quarantine was in fact used by some towns. (The fact that it was a reverse quarantine was a surprise to me, which added to the mystique of the opening pages.)
Another good thing about the book, the ending isn’t very pretty. Sure, the epidemic seems to reach the end, but not everything is nicely tied up. There are still some issues facing the community and two of the leading characters. But given what the book is covering, it is good to stop there and leave the reader wondering.
8/10
