“WHAT WAS LOST IN THE COLLAPSE: almost everything, almost everyone, but there is still such beauty” (Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven, 2014).

The School of Media, Arts and Humanities (MAH) have announced this year’s Collective Read will be Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. 

Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 2015, Station Eleven is a surprisingly optimistic dystopian novel that imagines a world where a pandemic has led to the collapse of civilisation. Amidst the fallout, a nomadic group of determined actors travel between the remaining isolated communities, insisting that “survival is insufficient”, and that the arts and humanities remain as vital as ever.

In many ways, Station Eleven is a topical choice in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book raises many questions about the significance of the arts and humanities during times of great strife. Questions such as: what do we mean by art and culture? Who for example, is that “we”? Whose culture is worth preserving, teaching, or studying? And who decides?

The Collective Read will begin during Welcome Week and provides the opportunity for Media, Arts and Humanities staff and students to come together and share their thoughts, experiences and ideas surrounding Station Eleven and its core themes.

The School will be showing the first episode of the TV adaptation on Friday 29 September 2023 from 1pm - 3pm in the Chichester 1 lecture theatre (CHICH 1-LT). The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and opportunities for anyone who would like to contribute or get involved.

The School will also be encouraging students and staff to use the book and TV show in any way they wish as part of their teaching, research and learning.

If you haven’t yet read Emily St. John Mandel’s brilliant novel – now’s your chance. There is a box of free copies in the School Office, and any MAH staff member or student is welcome to claim one.

You can also access sample chapters online.