Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed on 8/22/2008 + 1223 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This was a very powerful and emotional novel set during the great flu epidemic of 1918. The novel raises some very serious issues about family and community responsibilities during times of crisis. When the town decides to quarantine itself to protect the community from the flu epidemic, pressures and paranoia set in. On top of the flu epidemic was added the pressures of World War I, refusals to enlist, and rights of the mill workers. In the town of Commonwealth, the fear of flu, the lack of supplies, and agreed-to restrictions eventually lead to catastrophe. This was a very thought-provoking and well-written novel and raises some big questions about how people react in crisis situations. The story is also very relevant to today's world with the threat of a bird flu pandemic and international terrorism. "Last Town on Earth" is definitely one of the best books I have read this year.

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