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A review by sj_54
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
One part 'Everyone in New York hates each other! And traffic!'
Two parts 'New York is just the best!'
And one part 'Are you sure you noticed the racism? Let me repeat it again over an extra 10 pages just to be sure. And then apply every racial stereotype to the other characters so you're aware they're not white.'
With a couple of ageist and fatphobic comments to round it all out.
Also the twist at the end? Absolutely predictable. Seriously we're introduced to Veneza with about a million references to the fact she lives in Jersey which 'isn't part of New York reeeeeally, but kinda is at heart' and then she just happens to be the only non-city who hangs around?
Two parts 'New York is just the best!'
And one part 'Are you sure you noticed the racism? Let me repeat it again over an extra 10 pages just to be sure. And then apply every racial stereotype to the other characters so you're aware they're not white.'
With a couple of ageist and fatphobic comments to round it all out.
Also the twist at the end? Absolutely predictable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Colonisation
Minor: Domestic abuse, Police brutality, and Cannibalism