Agnes at the End of the World

Starred review from May 18, 2020
The Red Creek compound is the only life Agnes, 16, has known. Adhering to the belief that “perfect obedience produces perfect faith,” she and her siblings have been taught by Red Creek’s prophet that women are inferior to men and that outsiders are not
to be trusted. Devout though she is, Agnes secretly seeks outside help to save her brother, who has type 1 diabetes, and she experiences doubt when faced with an arranged marriage and her outsider mother’s pleas that she run away. When a viral pandemic encroaches, Agnes uncovers an aural realm long forgotten. In three parts, McWilliams (Doormat) follows faithful Agnes and her doubting 15-year-old sister, Beth. As Agnes learns more about the virus—a disease infecting animals and humans that causes hardened red skin, hostility, and grouping together in grotesque nests—she must come to grips with the tension between science and faith. Strong apocalyptic worldbuilding alternates with dialogue-laden scenes, while minor characters, such as the Burn Squad captain charged with eradicating nests, move the plot forward in absorbing and dynamic ways. Ages 12–up. Agent: Michael Bourret, Dystel, Goderich and Bourret.

Brittany Pressley holds listeners' attention as she narrates the spiritual, apocalyptic, and strangely pertinent story of Agnes, who breaks free of the oppressive cult she grew up in only to find a world in crisis over a pandemic. Viewpoints alternate between Agnes and her younger sister, Beth. Pressley does an excellent job balancing Agnes's humble and curious yet passionate voice with Beth's more dissatisfied, insecure one. Pressley also is excellent at pacing; although the plot unfolds somewhat slowly, she sustains listeners' attention with the palpable confusion and emotion that all the characters experience in a time of great change. This unique story eerily echoes aspects of our COVID-19 moment, and Pressley's narration adds to its captivating atmosphere. E.J.S. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine