What is a “Pandemic” Novel?
There are several possible definitions for the term “pandemic novel.” First of all, such a novel could be a fictionalized story about a pandemic. I’m not sure who would read it. Secondly, the term could refer to a novel whose fame has spread like a pandemic. NO–stay clear of negative connotations when promoting a novel. So, then, a pandemic novel is a novel that is set amidst a pandemic. The two novels I will feature in this blog entry, fit this third definition of “pandemic novel.”
NYT reviewer Molly Young describe Gary Shteyngart’s new novel as “his finest yet.” Shteyngart is a Russian born American writer who has gained critical acclaim around the world. Our Country Friends, a sort of Big Chill meets Dr. Zhivago, begins with Sasha Senderovsky hosting a disparate group of friends at his estate while they wait out the pandemic. They start out their six month isolation by social distancing, but that arrangement quickly deteriorates, as do many of the relationships among the group. Remember that I mentioned “The Big Chill!”
The other novel of note written with the pandemic as a backdrop is one by Louise Erdrich. The book in entitled The Sentence and is the sort of book we expect from Erdrich. The main character is an Ojibwe bookseller and ex-convict. Most of the story takes place in Minneapolis and intertwines with, in addition to Covid-19, the killing of George Floyd. “BookBrowse” revieviewer Elisabeth Cook describes the book as being ‘brilliant–a mish-mash of ghost story, mystery, comedy, and social commentary.’
Frances: Your post inspired me to search reviews of “The Sentence”, and both the NY Times and the Washington Post gave it such raves that I’m suggesting it for our local book club. It also reminded me of the most intriguing “pandemic” books I’ve read in years: “The Dog Stars” by Peter Heller. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune gives this description: In this “end-of-the-world novel more like a rapturous beginning” …, Hig somehow survived the flu pandemic that killed everyone he knows. His gripping story is “an ode to friendship between two men … the strong bond between a human and a dog, and a reminder of what is worth living for”. I found the book totally chilling, gripping, and ultimately redemptive and hopeful. I loved it!
I’m so glad you are going to read The Sentence. When you do, please let us know how it was. I never get tired of Louise Erdrich.
Thanks for the suggestion of the other novel The Dog Stars. You know how I feel about dystopian novels, but I may try this one!!