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THE LAST TOWN ON EARTH
By: Thomas Mullen
A community gripped by fear blocks itself off from the rest of the world to survive the 1918 Flu Epidemic
Random House
September 2006
On Sale: August 29, 2006
416 pages
ISBN: 1400065208
EAN: 9781400065202
Hardcover
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Historical | Fiction
Set against the backdrop of one of the most virulent epidemics that America ever experiencedβthe 1918 flu epidemicβThomas Mullenβs 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 townβs founder, it is a haven in another senseβas the first place in his life heβs 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, tiredβand apparently illβsoldier presents himself at the townβs doorstep begging for sanctuary. The encounter that ensues, and the shots that are fired, will have deafening reverberations throughout Commonwealth, escalating until every human valueβlove, patriotism, community, family, friendshipβnot to mention the townβs 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.
 Media BuzzWeekend Edition Sunday - September 24, 2006
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