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Expatriates Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Expatriates


Average people struggle to survive in a world rocked by a complete economic collapse. This is a story about the U.S. and the rest of the world following a massive economic collapse When the economy begins to collapse in the United States it spreads quickly to the rest of the world. Governments collapse, money is worthless and a lack of resources leads to the spread of diseases that kill tens of millions.
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For some people - like the Altmillers in Tavares, Florida - it is a time to protect themselves and help build a community that can survive the collapse. For American ex-pats living in the Philippines such as Peter and Rhiannon Jeffords, it's a time to try and make it to a safer location. The economic collapse has prompted a number of changes in governments worldwide and one of the biggest changes comes in Indonesia. A strict Islamic leader takes control and his country invades the Philippines. The Indonesian troops are killing every non-Muslim they see, leading the Jeffords to try a desperate and very long boat trip to Australia.

At the same time, the Altmillers are facing looters that threaten their town, as well as a strain of flu that has already killed tens of millions in the U.S. The people of Tavares team up with two nearby towns to ambush and kill a group of thousands of marauding looters who came from Miami. It's a bloodbath, but their efforts prevent any future problems and in an effort to stop the spread of the flu, they post guards and prevent anyone from entering their towns.

The Jeffords and some friends make it to Australia, but it's not safe there for long. The Indonesian Army now has its sights set on the land down under and when they invade Northern Australia, the Jeffords join the war efforts. A massive terrorist attack from Indonesian spies nearly destroys every Australian plane and Naval Ship and the Australians are vastly outnumbered. But thanks to some advance planning and guerilla warfare, they are able to finally convince the Indonesians to withdraw and declare a peace.

Back in the U.S., things are beginning to settle down as well. Initially, a Kentucky politician with access to the gold in Fort Knox launched his own nation, aided by a number of United Nations troops. But after a long and bloody civil war, that government fell and was replaced by a traditional American democracy that is set to have its first free elections. It's a long road ahead, but the world seems to be finally moving forward.
Best part of story, including ending: The storyline is interesting, but it is also very heavy-handed at times. The "bad" guys are basically stick figures, so it's difficult to feel much of a connection to either side.

Best scene in story: The scenes in which the Altmillers redesign their hardware store to fit the new economy is quite fascinating. From a guard box taken from a nearby bank to the conversion of the business to a precious metals/barter only company makes a lot of sense.

Opinion about the main character: Peter and Rhiannon Jeffords have the potential to be interesting characters, but they're written very two-dimensionally. It's frustrating when you read their parts of the story, since you want to find a connection to their characters, but there's just not enough there to make it possible.

The review of this Book prepared by Randy Anderson a Level 3 Eurasian Jay scholar

Chapter Analysis of Expatriates

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Plot & Themes

Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence 40%planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives 20%Feelings, relationships, character bio/development 20%Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places 20% Tone of book    -   suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?    -   science fiction story Explore/1st contact/ enviro story    -   Yes Explore:    -   post environmental/nuclear disaster, fighting MadMax gangs Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book

Main Character

Identity:    -   Male Profession/status:    -   teacher Age:    -   40's-50's

Setting

Terrain    -   Desert Earth setting:    -   near future (later in 21st century) Takes place on Earth?    -   Yes

Writing Style

Accounts of torture and death?    -   generic/vague references to death/punishment scientific jargon? (SF only)    -   none/very little science jargon needed How much dialogue?    -   roughly even amounts of descript and dialog

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James Wesley Rawles Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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