Canadian Emily St. John Mandel’s fourth novel Station Eleven was a finalist for the 2014 National Book Awards. In it, the world is decimated by influenza and a Shakespearean troupe with the motto “Survival is insufficient” hits the road to cheer up unlucky survivors. Exploring notions of art and kinship and the cyclical nature of life, as well as yearning, the apocalyptic work confirms Mandel’s status as a star ascendant. She speaks with Jolisa Gracewood.

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