The City We Became is an innovative urban fantasy novel by N.K. Jemisin. She is known for her award-winning Broken Earth Trilogy. This book, published in 2020, is the first part of the Great Cities Trilogy. It is praised for its bold and imaginative look at identity, culture, and what makes a city unique. The City We Became stands out with its unique story and lively telling. It’s quickly become a favorite among both readers and critics.
This article will delve into the book’s summary, characters, themes, and more. We will look at the author’s background, how the book was received, and its chances of becoming a movie.
The City We Became
The City We Became is a love letter to New York City, reimagined as a living, breathing entity with a soul. The novel mixes urban fantasy, social commentary, and mythical elements, making for a thrilling and thought-provoking story.
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The book takes place in a world where big cities come alive. Human avatars represent the essence of each city. When New York City wakes up, it faces a significant threat from a strange enemy. Its heroes must come together to defend it.
N.K. Jemisin’s writing stands out. She creates rich worlds, features diverse characters, and offers a sharp social critique. The City We Became gives readers a new view of city life and shows the strength of the community.
Summary
The story starts with New York City waking up. Human avatars appear, each representing a borough. Something goes wrong during the awakening, and the main avatar of New York City vanishes. This leaves the city open to an alien invasion led by a mysterious figure called the Woman in White.
The avatars from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island need to unite. They need to find the main avatar and save the city. Each avatar shows the unique culture and spirit of their borough. Their journey includes challenges, conflicts, and moments of unity.
While the avatars fight the Woman in White and her minions, they discover their city’s true strength. They realize the need to unite against oppression.
N.K. Jemisin: The City We Became
N.K. Jemisin, Nora K. Jemisin, is a Hugo Award-winning author known for her creative storytelling and diverse characters. She was born on September 19, 1972, in Iowa, USA, and is now a key figure in modern speculative fiction.
- Notable Works:
- The Broken Earth Trilogy (The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky)
- The Inheritance Trilogy consists of:
- The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
- The Broken Kingdoms
- The Kingdom of Gods
- The Dreamblood Duology (The Killing Moon, The Shadowed Sun)
Jemisin’s work often looks at oppression, identity, and resilience. The City We Became keeps this theme alive by focusing on urban life and cultural diversity.
Characters
The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each representing a borough of New York City:
- Manhattan (Manny): A young, charismatic man who becomes the avatar of Manhattan. He is new to the city and struggles to understand his role.
- Brooklyn (B): A former rapper and city council member who embodies the spirit of Brooklyn. She is a natural leader and is fiercely protective of her community.
- Queens (Padmini): A brilliant Indian immigrant and student who represents Queens. Her mathematical genius plays a key role in the battle against the Woman in White.
- The Bronx (Bronca): A Lenape artist and activist who embodies the Bronx. She is tough, resourceful, and deeply connected to her heritage.
- Staten Island (Aislyn): A young woman struggles with identity and loyalty. Her isolation mirrors the divide between Staten Island and the other boroughs.
- The Woman in White: She is the main villain. This ghostly figure wants to bring down New York City.
PDF Details
If you’re looking to access The City We Became in PDF format, you can find it on several platforms, including:
- Google Books
- Amazon Kindle
- Barnes & Noble
It’s essential to get the PDF from an authentic source. This helps support the author and publishers.
Sequel
The City We Became is the first book in the Great Cities Trilogy. The sequel, The World We Make, was released in November 2022. The second book continues the story of New York City’s avatars as they face new challenges and threats.
Fans of the first book can expect more action, intrigue, and social commentary in the sequel.
Movie
There have been no official announcements about a movie adaptation of The City We Became. The book’s visuals and cinematic appeal make it a strong choice.
Fans are excited about the chance to see the lively world and unique characters of The City We Became on screen.
N.K. Jemisin
It is a testament to N.K. Jemisin’s creativity and vision. It is not only a fantasy novel but also a celebration of urban life and cultural diversity.
- Publication Details:
- First Published: March 24, 2020
- Publisher: Orbit Books
- Pages: 448 (Hardcover)
The book has won praise for its bold themes, lively characters, and engaging plot.
Synopsis
It is a groundbreaking urban fantasy that brings New York City to life as a soulful being. The story features avatars from the city’s boroughs. They fight a strange enemy and discover their city’s true power.
The novel celebrates diversity, community, and the resilience of urban life. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy, social commentary, and stories that challenge the status quo.
Quotes
The novel is filled with memorable quotes that reflect its themes and beauty:
- “Every city has a soul. Some are as ancient as nightmares, others as new as breakdancing.”
- It’s a being. And it’s under attack.”
- “We are the city, and the city is us.”
Review
Critical Reception:
- The New York Times called it “a love letter to New York City, celebrating its diversity and critiquing its inequalities.”
- NPR praised its “vivid world-building and sharp social commentary.”
Reader Reviews:
- On Goodreads, the book has an average rating of 4.0/5 based on over 50,000 reviews.
- Readers often highlight the book’s unique premise, diverse characters, and powerful themes.
Author Details:
- Name: N.K. Jemisin (Nora K. Jemisin)
- Born: September 19, 1972, Iowa, USA
- Notable Works: The Broken Earth Trilogy, The Inheritance Trilogy, The Dreamblood Duology
Book References:
- Title: The City We Became
- Author: N.K. Jemisin
- Publisher: Orbit Books
- Publication Year: 2020
- Pages: 448