Wanderers

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I put this book on my list before realizing that it was more than a book…it was a tome, an epic, 780 page-worth of an “end of the world” saga that would be a saga in and of itself to get through. I wasn’t prepared, so I did what a lot of people do: I procrastinated. I put it aside. “I’ve already gone through one Massive Book this year [Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky) and I don’t have any time in my busy schedule to fit two into the same year.”

But I had a week off and set about getting through this. And I’m glad I did.

Wanderers begins with Nessie, the fifteen-year-old sister of the seventeen-year-old Shana…who quite suddenly and unexpectedly starts walking away from home, in a sleepwalker trance, unseeing, unhearing, unspeaking and impenetrable. She walks and soon is joined by others in the same condition…walking to a destination and unable to be stopped by anyone. The “flock” soon grows to hundreds of people, who are then joined by their loved ones who care for them along this mysterious walk, who are known as “shepherds.”

And while there is a lot that springs from that premise, there is not much I can say that would not be a spoiler. But in this story, there lies an apt parallel to the real world outside in 2020 America. A virus, a contentious presidential election with fanatics mobilizing and wishing death on the incumbent; a scientific community beleaguered by hostility and ignorance. A panicked populace who do not understand what is happening or why these “walkers” are doing what they are doing; the weight of the world put on scientists and doctors to figure out a mystery that could impact all of humanity…

And into this world which is quickly going off the rails is an aging Rockstar, a disgraced scientist, a preacher who has lost his way and a militia madman who winds up being one of the most evil characters depicted on a page anywhere, as well as the families and friends of the walkers who all try to fill their roles in this dying world.

Man, this is a trip. It goes from one idea and builds and it never really slows down or drags. There are revelations throughout and up until the very last page. The book doesn’t give up. It is relentless and somehow it sustains itself over 780 pages. Incredible plotting and structure.

One warning: there are a several acts of brutality that may be difficult to get through. I actually put it down for a day after one incident occurring about halfway through because it was so shocking and a little uncomfortable. The feeling passed.

I highly recommend Wanderers. It’s worth the effort. It will take you through the weeks of the pandemic and while it won’t make you forget anything; it at least offers a small ray of hope that comes with a pyrrhic victory.




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