The City in the Middle of the Night
by Charlie Jane Anders
science fiction
copyright 2019
read in August 2020
rated 7/10: well worth reading
It's an interesting book and enjoyable, with likeable characters. Though I did lose track of who is who... Is it Mouth/Bianca & Sophie/Alyssa? Or some other combination? Part of the blame for my confusion is that I read this in bursts and I don't have a good head for names. Also, it's quite a long book and the characters do interact, especially towards the end.
It's quite a long book with quite a lot to say. What it is mostly saying is, unthinking use of technology will destroy the environment. Also, we do tend to hate strangers. And honest communication is a good thing.
The ... let's call it "woke" -- messages are very strong. This does not affect enjoyment of the story. It adds a positive moral to a well-crafted adventure story.
The world where the action takes place is fascinating. Based -- the author says -- on sound scientific advice. I believe it.
The societies are ... extreme. Two human societies at extremes of control and an alien society which reflects ultimate hippie wish-fulfilment. I do like the aliens, despite their unbelievable sweetness.
Then the story ends -- unexpectedly. Yet... everything important is wrapped up. At first I think, but do they succeed?! Then I realise, the result -- in overall terms -- has been indicated by the one page introduction. Yes, I would like to know what happens next to the various characters. But also yes, the important points have been covered. Not in detail but enough.
It's an interesting book. There are strong ideas, some of which are clearly supported and others simply crushed. The overall themes may be "woke", the story is good whether or not you support the themes.
Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
... Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved
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"Please do not feed the fears" … graffiti on a toilet wall
===Dying for you to read my blog, at https: // notdotdeaddotyet .blogspot. com. au/ :-)
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