DNF. I am unfamiliar with the larger issues facing the sci-fi genre aside from the general & valid critiques of Lovecraft, so I might read up on this more before revisiting the book in order to give it the full appreciation it deserves.

Jemisin’s writing is evocative and almost poetic at times, but something about the balance of world building and dialogue felt choppy to me. It felt like a blend of narrative and political essay, which isn’t to say that the issues she raised were not important issues pressing the dynamics of NYC, but it made it more difficult for me to feel engaged with the characters. The plot also lost momentum while this happened, and I found it difficult to remain invested.

That being said, I read the Goodreads reviews and hope that the white folks reading this book and reviewing here confront the initial defensive reactions they are having and understand that the examples of racism, homophobia, etc. are not hyperbolic, and that there is a way to reflect on how you engaged with the book without attacking Jemisin or denying the lived experiences of others. If you are taking this book personally because you see yourself in one of the antagonists, ask yourself why that is.

That being said, I LOVE the idea of cities personified, and the initial theme of belonging to a multicultural city in a way that transcends borders. Perhaps I might have stayed more engaged if this theme had felt a bit more constant in the story.