“The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin is a novel that has been receiving a lot of attention recently. The book is an allegory for the city of New York, and explores the idea that cities can come alive and select one of their human residents to be their avatar. In the book, New York City has come alive and selected six avatars to protect the city from a great enemy, the Woman in White.
The book is the first in Jemisin’s Great Cities trilogy, and has been praised for its vivid descriptions of New York City and its diverse cast of characters. The novel is a blend of urban fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction, and is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a city and the people who live in it. Jemisin is the first author in history to win three consecutive Hugo Awards for Best Novel, and “The City We Became” is a worthy addition to her impressive body of work.
Overview of ‘The City We Became’
“The City We Became” is a 2020 urban fantasy novel by N.K. Jemisin. The novel is set in New York City and follows the story of five avatars, each representing one of the city’s five boroughs. The avatars must come together to save the city from an evil force known as the Woman in White.
Jemisin’s novel is an allegory for the cultural and political diversity of New York City. Each avatar represents a different aspect of the city’s identity, from the artistic spirit of Manhattan to the working-class roots of the Bronx. The novel explores themes of identity, community, and the power of collective action.
The novel’s unique premise and imaginative world-building have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. “The City We Became” is the first book in Jemisin’s Great Cities trilogy, and readers eagerly anticipate the next installment.
The Allegory of Urban Identity
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin is a novel that explores the allegory of urban identity. The story takes place in New York City, where each borough is personified as a unique character, each with its own personality and strengths.
Jemisin uses this allegory to explore the idea that cities have their own identities, shaped by the people who live in them and the experiences they share. Each borough in the novel represents a different aspect of the city’s identity, from the creative energy of Brooklyn to the financial power of Manhattan.
The novel also highlights the challenges of maintaining a cohesive urban identity in a diverse and rapidly changing city. The characters must learn to work together and embrace their differences in order to save the city from an otherworldly threat.
Representations of New York’s Boroughs
In “The City We Became,” N.K. Jemisin personifies New York City‘s boroughs as distinct characters with unique personalities. Manhattan is portrayed as the city’s intellectual center, while Brooklyn is depicted as a fiercely independent and creative borough. Queens is characterized as a diverse and multicultural borough, and the Bronx is shown as a proud and resilient community. Staten Island, the smallest borough, is portrayed as a quiet and peaceful place.
Jemisin’s allegory is a reflection of the city’s real-life diversity. Each borough has its own unique culture, history, and identity, which is celebrated and embraced by its residents. By personifying the boroughs, Jemisin highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the differences that make New York City a vibrant and dynamic place.
The boroughs’ distinct personalities also play a crucial role in the novel’s plot. Each borough’s avatar possesses unique abilities and strengths that are essential in the fight against the evil force threatening the city. By working together and embracing their differences, the boroughs are able to overcome the challenges they face and save the city.
Cultural and Historical References
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin is a novel that is deeply rooted in cultural and historical references. The book is set in New York City and draws heavily from the city’s history and culture. Jemisin has used these references to create a rich and immersive world that is both familiar and alien.
One of the most prominent cultural references in the book is the use of Lovecraftian horror. Jemisin has taken the works of H.P. Lovecraft and reimagined them in a way that is both fresh and terrifying. The book is filled with references to Lovecraft’s work, from the use of eldritch beings to the idea of cosmic horror.
Another cultural reference that Jemisin has used in the book is the idea of gentrification. The book is set in a version of New York City that is being taken over by an otherworldly force. This force is represented by wealthy white people who are moving into the city and pushing out the poorer, more diverse communities. Jemisin has used this idea to explore issues of race, class, and power in a way that is both nuanced and thought-provoking.
Finally, the book is filled with references to New York City’s history. Jemisin has taken the city’s landmarks and history and twisted them in a way that is both familiar and strange. From the use of the Statue of Liberty to the idea of the city as a melting pot, Jemisin has used these references to create a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality.
Themes of Belonging and Community
One of the most prominent themes in The City We Became is the idea of belonging and community. The novel explores the concept of what it means to belong to a city and how that sense of belonging can create a strong community.
Throughout the story, the characters struggle with their identities and their place in the city. They come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, but they all share a connection to New York City. This connection is what brings them together and allows them to work towards a common goal.
Jemisin uses the allegory of the city coming to life to show how important it is for people to feel like they belong somewhere. The avatars of the city represent the different neighborhoods and cultures that make up New York City. They must come together and work as a team to fight against the Enemy, which represents the forces that threaten to destroy the city’s diversity and unique culture.
The novel also explores how a sense of community can be threatened by outside forces. The extradimensional invasion can be seen as a metaphor for gentrification, which can homogenize and erase the unique qualities of a neighborhood. Jemisin highlights the importance of preserving the diversity and character of a community, even in the face of outside pressures.
Character Analysis and Symbolism
The characters in “The City We Became” represent the five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each character embodies the unique personality and characteristics of their respective boroughs. For instance, Manny, who represents Manhattan, is described as having a “nondescript” face and “yellowy brown” skin, which reflects the diverse population of the borough.
Moreover, the novel is rich in symbolism. The tendrils, for example, represent the insidious nature of the Enemy, a Lovecraftian entity that seeks to destroy the city. The tendrils are described as “ethereal and pale,” which underscores the otherworldly nature of the Enemy.
In addition, the avatars themselves are symbolic of the city’s resilience and strength. They are chosen by the city to protect it from harm, and they embody the city’s spirit and character. The fact that the avatars are ordinary people, rather than superheroes, underscores the idea that anyone can rise to the occasion and defend their home.
The Role of the Antagonist
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin features an antagonist known as the Woman in White who represents a powerful force of destruction. The Woman in White is a manifestation of the city’s fears and prejudices, and she seeks to destroy the avatars of New York City’s boroughs.
Throughout the novel, the Woman in White serves as a metaphor for the systemic racism and inequality that exists in the city. Her power is derived from the city’s history of oppression and exclusion, and she seeks to perpetuate these injustices by destroying the avatars who represent the city’s diverse communities.
Jemisin uses the Woman in White to highlight the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of oppression. The avatars of the city’s boroughs must come together and work as a team to defeat the Woman in White and protect their city. By doing so, they are able to overcome their differences and celebrate the diversity that makes New York City great.
Real-World Parallels and Social Commentary
“The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin is a work of speculative fiction that explores real-world parallels and social commentary. The novel is set in New York City and follows the avatars of the city’s five boroughs as they fight against a malevolent force that seeks to destroy the city.
Jemisin uses the avatars as a metaphor for the diversity and complexity of New York City. Each avatar represents a different aspect of the city, from the art scene in Brooklyn to the financial district in Manhattan. By giving each borough a distinct personality, Jemisin highlights the unique contributions each part of the city makes to the whole.
The novel also explores themes of gentrification, racism, and police brutality. Jemisin portrays the gentrification of Brooklyn as a force that erases the history and culture of the neighborhood. She also addresses the issue of police brutality by having one of the avatars, a Black man from Staten Island, be targeted by the police.
The Significance of Diversity in the Novel
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin is a novel that celebrates diversity in all its forms. The author’s vision of New York City is one where people of all races, genders, and sexual orientations live together in harmony. This diversity is not just a backdrop to the story but is an integral part of it.
Jemisin’s approach to diversity is refreshing because it is not just about representation but also about the lived experiences of the characters. Each character is fully realized, with their own unique perspective on the world. This allows the reader to see the world through different eyes and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.
The diversity in the novel also serves a larger allegorical purpose. The City We Became is a story about the struggle between order and chaos. The enemy is a force that seeks to destroy the city by erasing its diversity and imposing a single worldview on everyone. The heroes of the story, on the other hand, recognize the value of diversity and use it to fight back against the enemy.
In this way, Jemisin is making a statement about the importance of diversity in our society. She is saying that diversity is not just a nice-to-have but is essential to our survival. Without diversity, we risk becoming a monolithic society that is vulnerable to outside threats.
Literary Devices Used by N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin is a master of literary devices, and her novel “The City We Became” is no exception. Jemisin uses a variety of techniques to create a rich and immersive world that draws readers in and keeps them engaged.
One of the most prominent literary devices used in the novel is allegory. Jemisin uses the concept of New York City as a living entity to explore themes of identity, community, and oppression. By personifying the city and giving it a voice, Jemisin is able to comment on real-world issues in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking.
Another device used by Jemisin is symbolism. Throughout the novel, she employs a variety of symbols to represent different aspects of the city and its inhabitants. For example, the Woman in White represents the forces of gentrification and displacement that are threatening the city’s diverse communities. By using symbols in this way, Jemisin is able to convey complex ideas in a way that is both accessible and memorable.
Jemisin also makes use of foreshadowing to build tension and suspense throughout the novel. From the very beginning, readers are given hints and clues about the impending conflict between the city and its enemies. This creates a sense of anticipation that keeps readers engaged and invested in the story.
Reception and Impact on Literature
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin has received critical acclaim since its release in 2020. The novel has been praised for its unique blend of urban fantasy, science fiction, and allegory. Many critics have noted the book’s timely themes of identity, diversity, and community in the face of adversity.
The novel has been nominated for several awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the Nebula Award for Best Novel. It has also been included on numerous “Best of” lists, including The New York Times’ Best Books of 2020 and Time’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2020.
The impact of The City We Became on literature is significant. The book has been praised for its representation of marginalized communities and its exploration of the complexities of identity. It has also been noted for its use of allegory to address contemporary social issues.