The End of October
The End of October
Book Brief
Beta374
Novel • Fiction
Global • 2020s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The End of October by Lawrence Wright is a thriller that explores a global pandemic's impact on society. The story follows a World Health Organization epidemiologist as he battles a deadly virus. Themes of scientific discovery, geopolitical tension, and human resilience are woven into a compelling narrative, highlighting the challenges and unpredictability of facing a global health crisis.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Informative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
26,193 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The End of October by Lawrence Wright is praised for its intense and timely narrative, blending scientific research and thriller elements. The gripping plot keeps readers engaged, though some critics note it sometimes leans into heavy exposition. Character development is compelling yet can feel secondary to the pandemic-driven storyline.
Who Should Read The End of October?
A reader who enjoys The End of October would likely appreciate fast-paced, scientifically grounded thrillers exploring global pandemics. Fans of Michael Crichton's The Andromeda Strain or Daniel Kalla's Pandemic will be drawn to its blend of suspense, medical intrigue, and socio-political commentary.
26,193 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lawrence Wright wrote The End of October after conducting extensive research into virology and pandemics, a process that began years before the emergence of COVID-19, showcasing his prescient insights into global health crises.
The novel was inspired by a real event from the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, demonstrating Lawrence Wright's integration of historical events into his fictional narrative.
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The End of October features a virologist protagonist, Henry Parsons, whose characterization was influenced by Wright's interactions with real-life scientists and experts in infectious diseases.
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374
Novel • Fiction
Global • 2020s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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