Title: The City in the Middle of the Night
Author: Charlie Jane Anders
First published February 12, 2019
366 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765379962 (ISBN10: 0765379961)
Rating: 3.5
Overview
In a world where survival is a constant battle, would you risk everything to change the status quo? The City in the Middle of the Night follows Sophie, a young student from Xiosphant, one of the last two cities standing on a frozen planet.
After a failed revolution, she is exiled into the darkness, where she discovers a mysterious savior who helps her survive in the harsh wastelands. Together with a group of fellow exiles, Sophie must navigate a dangerous journey while carrying a painful secret.
Time is running out, and the stakes are high. Enter the City in the Middle of the Night and discover the ultimate challenge of survival and revolution.
About the Author
Hey there! I’m excited to share with you some information about the author behind Victories Greater Than Death, which is set to be released in August. This talented author has previously written All the Birds in the Sky, The City in the Middle of the Night, and a short story collection called Six Months, Three Days, Five Others.
But wait, there’s more! The author has even more books in the works, including an adult novel and a short story collection called Even Greater Mistakes.
Before becoming a successful author, they wrote for io9.com and now write for various publications. Along the way, they’ve won several awards, including the Emperor Norton Award, Hugo Award, Nebula Award, William H.
Crawford Award, Theodore Sturgeon Award, Locus Award, and Lambda Literary Award.
Their writing has been published in Wired Magazine, the Boston Review, Conjunctions, Tin House, Slate, MIT Technology Review, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, Tor.com, Lightspeed Magazine, McSweeney’s, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine, ZYZZYVA, Strange Horizons, Apex Magazine, Uncanny Magazine, 3 AM Magazine, Flurb.net, Monkey Bicycle, Pindeldyboz, and in countless anthologies.
In addition to writing, the author also organizes Writers With Drinks, a monthly reading series in San Francisco that celebrates a variety of genres. They also co-host a Hugo Award-winning podcast called Our Opinions Are Correct with Annalee Newitz.
The author’s passion for creativity extends beyond writing. They once published a print magazine called other, which focused on pop culture, politics, and general weirdness.
To raise funds for the magazine, they hosted events like a Ballerina Pie Fight and a sexy show in a hair salon where people got haircuts while taking off their clothes.
In their personal life, the author has lived in a Buddhist nunnery and loves karaoke. They have a weakness for spicy food, and even hug trees and pat stone lions for good luck.
When writing, they admit to talking to themselves a bit too much.
Editoral Review
Charlie Jane Anders latest novel, The City in the Middle of the Night, is a beautifully written work of science fiction that seamlessly blends social commentary, environmentalism, and gripping storytelling. Anders exploration of how humanity interacts with the world around us and the consequences of our actions feels especially relevant in todays world, making this book a must-read for fans of the genre and those seeking a thought-provoking, entertaining story.
The City in the Middle of the Night takes place on a hostile planet where humans cling to life in a city that keeps them perpetually in darkness. Sophie, a young, ambitious student, forms a bond with her exiled classmate Bianca that leads them on a journey through the dangerous wilderness outside of the citys borders.
Along the way, they encounter a cast of complex and flawed characters, including a revolutionary leader, corrupt politicians, and even aliens. One of the strengths of Anders writing is her ability to create a vivid and immersive world that feels both fantastical and real.
From the citys intricately designed architecture to the creatures that inhabit the wilds beyond, every detail feels carefully considered and essential to the story. Additionally, her focus on character development allows the reader to become invested in the lives of the protagonists, making the stakes of their journey feel all the more important.
While The City in the Middle of the Night is a masterful work of science fiction, it does have some flaws. The pacing can feel slow at times, as Anders takes care to explore the philosophy and politics of her world.
Additionally, at certain points, the books environmentalism can feel somewhat heavy-handed. However, these criticisms are minor in the grand scope of the book.
The City in the Middle of the Night is a stunning achievement that has the potential to become a genre classic. Fans of authors like Ursula K.
Le Guin will appreciate Anders meditation on our relationship with the natural world, while those who enjoy character-driven narratives will find much to love in the complex and well-written personalities that populate her work. In conclusion, I recommend The City in the Middle of the Night for anyone looking for a thought-provoking, well-crafted work of science fiction.
Anders writing is beautiful and engaging, and her exploration of complex themes is both timely and important. While it may not be for everyone due to its slower pacing and focus on environmentalism, I believe that lovers of the genre will find much to enjoy in this outstanding novel.
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its writing quality, world-building, and character development.
