One Second After by William R. Forstchen — A Summary

6 min readFeb 25, 2024

Introduction

In William R. Forstchen’s “One Second After,” the author delves into the harrowing reality of a post-apocalyptic world where an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) attack destroys all electronics, thrusting the residents of a small American town into a desperate fight for survival. Through the eyes of retired Army Colonel John Matherson, the book explores the human capacity for resilience, the breakdown of society, and the unshakable spirit of hope amidst unimaginable devastation.

Chapter 1

The novel opens with a typical day in the life of John Matherson, a history professor at Black Mountain College in North Carolina. As he goes about his day, an EMP attack occurs, leaving the town and its inhabitants without power. This abrupt event marks the beginning of a long and arduous journey for Matherson and the community, as they struggle to adapt to their new reality.

Chapter 2

As the power outage continues, Matherson and the townspeople begin to realize the full extent of the catastrophe. With no electricity, communication, or transportation, they must rely on their survival instincts and limited resources to survive. Matherson takes charge and starts organizing the community to ensure their safety and well-being.

Chapter 3

The situation worsens as food and medical supplies become scarce. Matherson and his family, along with other survivors, must make tough decisions to ensure their survival. The breakdown of social order becomes evident as people start to panic and act out of desperation.

Chapter 4

With no outside help in sight, Matherson realizes that they must find a way to sustain themselves in the long term. He starts implementing plans to grow food, establish security measures, and provide medical care to the injured. Despite the challenges, the community bands together to support each other.

Chapter 5

The lack of modern amenities takes a toll on the residents’ physical and mental well-being. Matherson and his family struggle to adapt to the new way of life, but their resilience and determination keep them going. The sense of community grows stronger as they face the challenges together.

Chapter 6

The harsh reality of their situation becomes even more apparent as winter sets in. With limited resources and harsh weather conditions, Matherson and the others face a new set of challenges. They must find innovative ways to stay warm, gather food, and fend off threats from outsiders.

Chapter 7

Despite their best efforts, Matherson and the townspeople face setbacks and losses. The death of a loved one serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life in their new world. The community comes together to mourn and support each other, strengthening their bonds in the face of adversity.

Chapter 8

As time goes on, Matherson realizes that they cannot rely on the outside world for help. They must become self-sufficient and find ways to rebuild their society from the ground up. He starts planning for the future, laying the groundwork for a new beginning for the town and its people.

Chapter 9

The town faces a new threat as roving gangs of bandits begin to prey on the vulnerable. Matherson and the others must defend themselves and their resources from these marauders. The stakes are high as they fight to protect what little they have left.

Chapter 10

Despite the challenges, Matherson remains hopeful for the future. He sees the resilience and determination of the townspeople and believes that they can overcome anything. As they continue to rebuild and adapt, they lay the foundation for a new beginning.

Chapter 11

As time passes, Matherson and the townspeople start to see glimpses of the world they once knew. They slowly begin to restore some of the modern amenities they lost, such as electricity and communication. The town starts to come back to life, albeit in a different form.

Chapter 12

The return of some semblance of normalcy brings both hope and challenges. Matherson and the others must navigate the complexities of rebuilding society while also facing the threats that still exist. They must find a balance between moving forward and remembering the lessons of the past.

Chapter 13

As the town continues to rebuild, Matherson reflects on the lessons learned from their experience. He realizes the importance of community, resilience, and preparation in the face of adversity. The town emerges stronger than ever, with a newfound appreciation for the simple things in life.

Chapter 14

Despite the hardships, Matherson and the others find moments of joy and celebration. They come together to celebrate their survival and the bonds that have been forged through their shared experience. The town looks to the future with hope and optimism.

Chapter 15

As the town continues to thrive, Matherson reflects on the journey that brought them to this point. He realizes that their resilience and determination were the keys to their survival. The town has emerged from the ashes stronger and more united than ever.

Chapter 16

Matherson’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in the town’s recovery. He continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. His determination and unwavering spirit inspire others to persevere and never lose hope.

Chapter 17

The town’s recovery is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges they faced, Matherson and the others never gave up. They came together as a community and rebuilt their town from the ground up.

Chapter 18

As the book comes to a close, Matherson reflects on the lessons learned from their experience. He realizes that their survival was not just a matter of luck, but of sheer determination and the will to persevere. The town’s journey serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

Conclusion

In “One Second After,” William R. Forstchen paints a vivid picture of a post-apocalyptic world and the human capacity for resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. Through the eyes of John Matherson and the residents of Black Mountain, we witness the breakdown of society, the struggle for survival, and the unshakable spirit of hope that keeps them going. It is a story of courage, determination, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.