Kevin's Watch

Syl wrote:Sorry, Foul. It's not originally in English, and it has to be 2009 or 2010. Can't do 'print on demand' books either, sadly.

I find it somewhat strange recommending China Miéville’s 2009 novel The City & the City. Among fans of contemporary science fiction and fantasy, or “speculative fiction” as many in the genre attempt to redefine it, Miéville is a “love it or hate it” kind of author. His previous works set in the fantastic world of Bas Leg, novels such as Perdido Street Station and Iron Council, placed me in the latter category, albeit reluctantly. His penchant for artistic flourishes at the expense of straightforward prose, along with the perception that he strives to be literary first and tell a good story second, seemed out of place. What read as inappropriate there, however, works in The City & The City. I believe that this novel is a good choice for class discussion precisely because of its inventive writing and its literary aspirations. Miéville spins a unique story, one that combines his unique style with a compelling critique of modern social routines.

Some readers may pass on The City & the City because of its author’s association with speculative fiction or the nebulous genre of the novel itself. Their misgivings may not be allayed by Miéville’s choice to label himself as a writer of “weird fiction,” but perhaps they will heed Farley when he says, “Mr. Miéville asks readers to make conceptual leaps and not to simply take flights of fancy.” On the other hand, perhaps the readers may be wary of conceptual leaps, preferring to keep their feet on more concrete textual ground, like Neil Hollands of Library Journal, who seems ready to relegate the book to fantasy aficionados’ shelves, writing, “…this work is more an existential thought piece than a reading pleasure.” If you believe the reviews that call the work eloquent, imaginative, and culturally relevant, if you consider that a rejection like Hollands’ would eliminate respected authors such as Kafka and Vonnegut from literary consideration, why wouldn’t this novel be both intellectually stimulating and an enjoyable read? That is a decision other readers will have to make, but it is for those reasons that I submit China Miéville’s The City & the City for group discussion.

His penchant for artistic flourishes at the expense of straightforward prose, along with the perception that he strives to be literary first and tell a good story second, seemed out of place.

Syl wrote:

His penchant for artistic flourishes at the expense of straightforward prose, along with the perception that he strives to be literary first and tell a good story second, seemed out of place. What read as inappropriate there, however, works in The City & The City. I believe that this novel is a good choice for class discussion precisely because of its inventive writing and its literary aspirations. Miéville spins a unique story, one that combines his unique style with a compelling critique of modern social routines.

Judging by this quote, I'd say your paper supporting the book made a difference. Peaks my curiosity anyway. I guess it's time to add Mieville to my to read list.
Good luck!