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
Earth" is a remarkably moving and accomplished debut.
"From the Hardcover edition."
General
Imprint: |
Random House Trade Paperbacks
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
July 2007 |
First published: |
July 2007 |
Authors: |
Thomas Mullen
|
Dimensions: |
201 x 131 x 24mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - Trade
|
Pages: |
432 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-8129-7592-5 |
Categories: |
Books >
Fiction >
Genre fiction >
Historical fiction
|
LSN: |
0-8129-7592-8 |
Barcode: |
9780812975925 |
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