Fantasy Review: The City We Became

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin was one of those books that I pre-ordered, and then steadily refused to read. I got a thrill of anticipation each time I looked at my TBR shelf and saw that black-and-neon spine. 

I'm happy to report that the payoff was worth the wait. Throughout the pandemic, my ability to focus on books has really taken a hit, and that is especially true for fantasy. The City We Became sucked me in completely. I read it in 2 days instead of my usual week or more for novels of this size. That hasn't happened to me in months.  

I loved the characters in this book, and the way that Jemisin overlaid the individuals wants and needs with those of the city. This was my first Jemisin book and I can see why she's so highly regarded--I've never read anything like this before. I also really liked the way that science and math were present in the book without the facts pulling away from the plot. This was an excellent example of soft sci-fi. 

*Spoilers below*

My one critique was that I wanted more from the ending. The great ending-battle took place over pages in the second scene from the end. To me the pacing was a little too quick. However, I can see how that could have been a craft choice--of course New York was going to crush the enemy, so no use detailing moments of doubt and tension. Still, I wished we could have lingered a little longer there.

Finally, I do want to talk about that ending. 

The fact that Staten Island was left alone to its own devises in the end after refusing to cooperate with the group felt like such a deviation from the expected fantasy route--of course you need your full team to conquer the bad guy! Of course they will come around in the end! I thought the twist to incorporating Jersey City into the coalition instead was a nice twist, even if it felt a little too easy in the moment. 

At the same time, metaphorically, I think leaving Staten Island alone was a perfect choice. The brave continue on, while the fearful become more isolated. Nobody has to save the racists--and it's not anyone's job to go after them and convince them to join the right side. Racists can just be left alone to live under the occupation of fear. This ending was a warning and a sad truth--the world can go on without the fearful, and be strong and glorious without those who would drag it down. 

I thought this ending was a perfect example to illustrate a recent Mythcreants podcast on including bigotry and oppression in fantasy. In the podcast they discussed how authors who include bigotry in their world-building have to find a way to address it, which can be difficult to do within the scope of a novel. Nemisin addressed it deftly in a way that kept me thinking long after I reshelved the book.