Hooray! You have added the first book to your bookshelf. Check it out now!
[−]
  • Search Digit-count Valid ISBN Invalid ISBN Valid Barcode Invalid Barcode
Blog this item

The Last Town on Earth

A Novel

By Thomas Mullen

(12)

| Hardcover | 9781400065202

Like The Last Town on Earth?
Join aNobii to see if your friends read it, and discover similar books!

Sign up for free

Book Description

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 smalContinue

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.

Critics

  • The Last Town on Earth-- book review

    The Last Town on Earth Thomas Mullen Random House Hardcover 416 pages August 2006 In the fall of 1918, the Great War in Europe is winding down and peace was on the horizon. The Americans had joined in the fight, bringing the Allies closer to victory ... (read full critics)

    curledup published on Tue, 7 Sep 2010

2 Reviews

Login or Sign Up to write a review

  • A book about a town that quaratines itself against the Spanish flu.

    So maybe I have a little bit of a fascination with stories of plague which immediately drew me to the book but ultimately, I thought the book was about decisions.

    How would you cope in this situation?
    How would y ... (continue)

    A book about a town that quaratines itself against the Spanish flu.

    So maybe I have a little bit of a fascination with stories of plague which immediately drew me to the book but ultimately, I thought the book was about decisions.

    How would you cope in this situation?
    How would you deal with fear?
    What would you do to protect your family?

    I was fascinated with this book. I "had" to know what would happen to these people and what choices they would make.

    One of my favourites this year.

    Is this helpful?

    Leahrussell76 said on May 15, 2009 | Add your feedback

  • My thoughts

    It's days later, and I'm still thinking about this book. Choices people make, even with the best intentions, don't always work in the long run. This book is a compelling look at how an epidemic during wartime affects a small town in early 20th century America in ways both large and small.

    Is this helpful?

    krin5292 said on Nov 20, 2007 | Add your feedback

Book Details

  • Rating:
    (12)
    • 5 stars
    • 4 stars
    • 3 stars
    • 2 stars
    • 1 star
  • English Books
  • Hardcover 416 Pages
  • ISBN-10: 1400065208
  • ISBN-13: 9781400065202
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Pub date: Aug 29, 2006
  • Dimensions: 1548 mm x 1032 mm x 194 mm Just how big is that?
  • Also available as: Paperback, Others and eBook
Improve data of this book

Prices Change currency & sellers

ISBN Edition List Sale Seller
9781400065202 Hardcover $23.95 $19.16 bn.com
-- $15.00 ebooks.com
$23.95 -- The Book Depository
Other editions →
+ 1 copy tradable: →
Added to Shelf Added to Wish List

Inline Translation Mode

Left click to navigate, right click to translate.

inline translation guide

or close

Inline translation is not ready for this page yet.

Inline translation mode.

Share this page with your friends.

The viewport has not loaded.