To Breach or Not To Breach
This book totally unscrewed a couple of hinges, and fangirling for the author didn't really help screw them back. Leave it to China Miéville to make the absurd seem normal, and then send you reeling in complete dizzying pleasure.
This is a story about two distinct cities, Beszel and Ul Qoma, united together in a surrealistic manner. In Eastern Europe, these Millennia-old cities have pieces and patches that coexist in the same geography with residents trained to “unsee”, “unhear”, and maybe even “unsmell” (although it wasn't mentioned directly) their neighboring city. Any direct infraction of this protocol will send the shadowy forces of Breach after its citizens.
Yet, avoiding breach seems highly improbable if the murder was committed. A young woman was brutally murdered and dumped in a slum area of Beszel. On the case is Tyador Borlú, a morally ambiguous cop, who uses every trick he can to seek justice and closure despite pervasive corruption in the bureaucratic governments. Adding to the complexity of the case is the not-to-be-mentioned city of Orciny. The existence of this small space and people between the two cities is as mysterious as the murder itself. Solving one mystery means solving the other as well.
The third mystery is the identity of the Breach. People of both cities know that these forces are constantly watching and guarding, but how they operate and execute justice is beyond ken. Nobody has seen them in person and lived to tell the tale until Tyador risked to breach.
"My task is changed: not to uphold the law, or another law, but to maintain the skin that keeps law in place. Two laws in two places, in fact."
I will say again, I have nothing but pure admiration to the genius of China Miéville. His books are unconventional, unpredictable and absolutely creative. I am a FAN.
 |
| I truly imagined Ashil looking like this. |
Book details:
Title: The City and the City
Author: China Tom Miéville
Publisher: Del Rey
Publication: May 26, 2009
Genre: Weird Fiction, Murder
Rating: ★★★★★
Posts
I will definitely read more of China's books after The City & The City. Oh how I loved that book! :)
ReplyDeletePeter recommended the Bas-Lag books. I'll try those next. :)
DeleteLOL at "To Breach or Not To Breach". I will definitely remember this book for its being so unconventionally good. :)
ReplyDeleteThere was a certain scene in the book that begged this to be answered. I am happy with the protagonist choice. :)
DeleteIt is a fun novel. 3-stars is "I like it." :D
ReplyDeleteGlad that you liked it, really. I do understand that this isn't your genre generally. ♥
Delete"This book totally unscrewed a couple of hinges, and fangirling for the author didn't really help screw them back. "
ReplyDeleteIs it #FangirlFriday today? Haha. I still have a hangover from this book. And to hell with Breach, I am not going to unsee those photos above! :D
Any day is a good day to fangirl for CM, I guess. *landi ko lang* LOL
DeleteFangirls should buddy read at least one of his books. What do you think? :)
Fangirls! Let us buddy read Perdido Street Station! Maybe before the year ends? :)
ReplyDeleteYes, let's do that while waiting for the 6th ASOIaF! I'm sure the other wenches will be very interested too. ♥
Delete