The Last Town on Earth: A Novel

The Last Town on Earth: A Novel

Set against the backdrop of one of the most virulent epidemics that America ever experiencedÃ¢â‚¬â€œthe 1918 flu epidemicÃ¢â‚¬â€œThomas MullenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢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 townÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s founder, it is a haven in another senseÃ¢â‚¬â€œas the first place in his life heÃ¢â‚¬â„¢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, tiredÃ¢â‚¬â€œand apparently illÃ¢â‚¬â€œsoldier presents himself at the townÃ¢â‚¬â„¢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 valueÃ¢â‚¬â€œlove, patriotism, community, family, friendshipÃ¢â‚¬â€œnot to mention the townÃ¢â‚¬â„¢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.
Country USA
Brand Random House Trade Paperbacks
Manufacturer Random House Trade Paperbacks
Binding Paperback
ItemPartNumber 9780812975925
Color White
ReleaseDate 2007-07-31
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780812975925

Country	USA
Brand	Random House Trade Paperbacks
Manufacturer	Random House Trade Paperbacks
Binding	Paperback
ItemPartNumber	9780812975925
Color	White
ReleaseDate	2007-07-31
UnitCount	1
EANs	9780812975925

The Last Town on Earth: A Novel

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