Summary
One Second After by William R. Forstchen is a gripping postapocalyptic novel that explores the devastating aftermath of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States. Published in 2009, the book quickly became a New York Times bestseller and has been widely recognized for its realistic portrayal of a potential national catastrophe. Forstchen's thorough research and consultation with experts lend credibility to the scenario he presents, making the story all the more chilling. Cited on the floor of Congress for its plausible premise, One Second After is a must-read for all Americans.
Plot
One Second After follows the story of John Matherson, a history professor and retired Army colonel living in the small town of Black Mountain, North Carolina. The novel begins when an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack suddenly disables all modern electrical devices across the United States. As panic sets in, Matherson must use his military experience to help his community survive in a world thrust back to pre-industrial times.
The immediate effects of the EMP are devastating. Cars stop working, communication systems fail, and the power grid collapses. Matherson's primary concern is for his diabetic daughter Jennifer, whose insulin supply requires refrigeration. As food and medicine begin to run out, the town faces increasing challenges. Residents of a local nursing home are at risk without power, and diseases spread due to lack of sanitation and medical supplies.
As months pass, the social order in Black Mountain starts to break down. Struggling with food shortages, the community is forced to implement strict rationing. Matherson takes on a leadership role, organizing the town's defense against external threats. A violent battle ensues when a group of cannibals attacks the town, resulting in significant casualties. Throughout this period, Matherson develops a close relationship with Makala Turner, a nurse stranded in Black Mountain during the crisis.
One year after the attack, the US military finally arrives to aid the town. It's revealed that the EMP was caused by nuclear missiles launched from container ships, likely by Iran and North Korea. The attack has decimated the US population, leaving only 30 million survivors. The novel concludes with China occupying the West Coast and Mexico reclaiming its former territories, painting a bleak picture of a drastically altered America struggling to rebuild.
Themes
Survival in a postapocalyptic world
Community resilience and adaptation
Leadership and moral decision-making
Loss and grief in times of crisis
Importance of preparedness and self-reliance
Contrast between modern technology and basic survival skills
Impact of sudden societal collapse on individuals and communities
Setting
One Second After takes place in the small town of Black Mountain, North Carolina. The story opens in the contemporary era, where modern technology and infrastructure are integral to daily life. This familiar setting serves as a stark contrast to the postapocalyptic world that emerges following an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack.
The broader geographical context spans the entire United States, as the EMP affects the entire nation. However, the narrative focuses primarily on Black Mountain and its surrounding areas. The town's location in the Appalachian Mountains plays a crucial role in the story, as its relative isolation becomes both a blessing and a curse for the residents struggling to survive in the aftermath of the attack.
While the main events occur in this small North Carolina town, the author also provides glimpses into the wider impact of the EMP on the country and the world. Through limited communications and reports from military personnel, readers learn about the devastating effects on major cities, the collapse of the federal government, and the geopolitical shifts that occur in the wake of the catastrophe. This broader perspective serves to underscore the global ramifications of the attack while maintaining the intimate focus on Black Mountain's community.
Characters
John Matherson: The protagonist. A history professor at Montreat Christian College, a retired US Army colonel, and a widowed father of two daughters, John becomes a key leader in Black Mountain after the EMP attack. He uses his military experience and strategic thinking to help the community survive. John also develops a romantic relationship with Makala Turner during the crisis.
Elizabeth Matherson: John's 16-year-old daughter. Elizabeth matures quickly in the face of adversity, helping to care for her younger sister and taking on responsibilities in the community. She becomes engaged to her boyfriend Ben Johnson during the course of events.
Jennifer Matherson: John's 12-year-old daughter who has Type 1 diabetes. Jennifer's need for insulin becomes a major concern after the EMP attack disables refrigeration. Her struggle and eventual death due to lack of medication is a poignant subplot.
Makala Turner: A nurse from Charlotte who becomes stranded in Black Mountain. Makala's medical skills prove invaluable to the community, and she develops a close relationship with John. She helps care for Jennifer and becomes a mother figure to the Matherson girls.
Charlie Fuller: Black Mountain's Director of Public Safety. Charlie works closely with John to organize the town's defense and maintain order during the crisis.
Washington Parker: Head of Campus Security at Montreat Christian College and a retired Marine sergeant major. Washington plays a crucial role in organizing the defense of the town against marauders.
Dan Hunt: The president of Montreat Christian College. Dan supports John's efforts to organize the community and provides leadership during the crisis.
Jim Bartlett: John's eccentric neighbor who owns a Volkswagen repair shop. Jim's knowledge of older vehicles proves invaluable after the EMP disables modern cars.
Doc Kellor: Black Mountain's local doctor. He works tirelessly to provide medical care to the community despite dwindling supplies.
Tom Barker: The chief of police in Black Mountain. Tom helps maintain order and organize the town's defenses.
Don Barber: A local resident who owns a functioning vintage airplane. Don provides crucial reconnaissance flights for the community.
Kate Lindsey: The mayor of Black Mountain at the time of the EMP attack. She works with John and other leaders to address the crisis.
Ben Johnson: Elizabeth Matherson's boyfriend and later fiancé. Ben supports the Matherson family during the crisis.
Bob Scales: John's friend who works at the Pentagon. Bob provides some initial information about the EMP attack before communications are cut off.
Quick facts
A work of postapocalyptic fiction, One Second After explores the aftermath of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States.
William R. Forstchen consulted with military and scientific experts to ensure the book's accuracy.
One Second After was cited on the floor of Congress as recommended reading for all Americans.
One Second After includes an afterword by US Navy Captain William Sanders about EMPs.
The novel reached #11 on the New York Times bestseller list in May 2009.
The story is set in the small town of Black Mountain, North Carolina.
The main character, John Matherson, is a history professor and a retired US Army colonel.
One Second After has spawned three sequels—One Year After, The Final Day, and Five Years After.
The TV rights for the book series were licensed to MPI Original Films in 2021. J. Michael Straczynski, known for Babylon 5, is involved in writing the pilot for the TV adaptation.
About the Author
William R. Forstchen (1950-) is a respected American historian and the New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 books across various genres. His works include the One Second After series of postapocalyptic fiction, the Lost Regiment series of Civil War-era science fiction novels, and the award-winning young adult novel We Look Like Men of War. He has also co-authored several alternate history novels with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, including a trilogy about the Civil War and a series on the events surrounding Pearl Harbor.
Beyond his writing, Forstchen is passionate about military history, archaeological research, and space exploration. He holds a PhD from Purdue University specializing in Military History and the History of Technology, His expertise has led to invitations to speak before Congress and at institutions such as STRATCOM, Sandia Labs, and NASA. Forstchen's novel One Second After, which explores the potential aftermath of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States, has been particularly influential, cited in Congressional discussions and optioned for a feature film.
When not writing or teaching, Forstchen indulges in his love for aviation. He owns and flies an original World War II “recon bird,” a 1943 Aeronca L-3B. This hands-on approach to history reflects Forstchen's commitment to bringing the past to life, both in his academic work and his fiction. He currently resides near Asheville, North Carolina, where he serves as a Professor of History and Faculty Fellow at Montreat College and continues to blend his passion for history with his talent for storytelling.
