Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Author: Emily St John Mandel)
TV Miniseries: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Streaming: HBO)
That's right, this is a two in one review, part of our Black Tuesday event, celebrated the Tuesday after the "spring forward" time change.
When I first started watching Station Eleven, I failed to remember that I had read the book of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel, not because the book was forgettable but because I'm old. But soon the plot and characters started to feel familiar, so I did what we do in these circumstances and pulled the show's Wiki page up on my phone.
Mandel's Station Eleven, published in 2014, is a post-apocalyptic story about civilization's collapse due to a flu pandemic (For the love of God, people, get vaccinated!). Both the book and the series make use of a splintered timeline, connecting the lives of characters ranging from an actor performing King Lear to a symphony that travels across the remnants of society.
The HBO adaptation, directed by Patrick Somerville, stays true to the book with a few additions, a light but artistic touch that allows the fantastic premise to work as well on screen as it does on paper.
The book is almost always more enjoyable than the adaptation, as it was in this case. The book provides a deeper context that adds to the richness of the story. For example, the author writes that 99% of the world's population perished within weeks of the outbreak, adding a grim urgency to the characters’ survival in the book, desperation that is missing from the television series.
The mini-series creates a more immediate emotional connection with actors like Davis (Kirsten Raymonde), Himesh Patel (Jeevan Chaudhary - an audience member and stranger watching over the young Kirsten (Matilda Lawler) in a performance of King Lear the night of the outbreak which costars Arthur Leander as himself) and Clark Thompson (David Wilmot - the former best friend of Leander that now leads a solitary group in Severn City Airport). The contrast between desolate, abandoned landscapes and the vibrant performances of the traveling symphony works well in both versions of the story. Stirring in a bit of Shakespeare has never hurt a literary recipe.
Kirsten Raymonde, portrayed by Mackenzie Davis in the series, is particularly compelling. Her transition from a child actor to a tough survivor encapsulates themes of hope and loss. In the book, Kirsten’s relationship with the graphic novel "Station 11" deepens her character arc. The series expands her motivations, giving viewers a clearer understanding of her backstory.
Similarly, Jeevan Chaudhary's character undergoes a remarkable transformation. Once a paparazzo, he evolves into a man with purpose amid chaos. His journey reflects how reinvention can bring meaning to life, a theme illustrated effectively in both mediums.
Both adaptations illustrate that art—no matter its medium—serves as a lifeline in tough times, a lifeline that I personally cling to in today's political and environmental climate. Both deliver a
unique yet complementary experience. Whether you favor the novel's rich prose or the striking visuals of the HBO adaptation, both approaches enhance the narrative, revealing humanity's resilience amidst despair and are worth the investment of time. But don't be a neanderthal, read the damn book first. Always.
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