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Book Review of The City, Not Long After

The City, Not Long After
escapeartistk avatar reviewed on + 207 more book reviews


This is not at all your usual post-apocalyptic (survival) fare (which I really like), and it contains elements of magic realism (which I generally dislike), and yet I really enjoyed this book for the unique characters, their worldview, and the wonderful, thought-provoking theme(s). The tone has a thoughtful, peaceful quality that somehow reminds me of 'Let the Great World Spin' and 'The Girl with Glass Feet.' Also, unlike many other novels set in a post-apocalyptic future, this novel is timeless: in spite of many changes (especially in technology) since the book was published in 1989, the story is still completely relevant and not at all dated; this could be any future. Murphy's San Francisco is something of a character in its own right, and the author clearly appreciates this one-of-a-kind city. This book was a great, surprising find! If you're looking for something a little different, give this one a try.