by Kevin Brockmeier
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Product Description
From Kevin Brockmeier, one of this generation's most inventive young writers, comes a striking new novel about death, life, and the mysterious place in between.
The City is inhabited by those who have departed Earth but are still remembered by the living. They will reside in this afterlife until they are completely forgotten. But the City is shrinking, and the residents clearing out. Some of the holdouts, like Luka Sims, who produces the City’s only newspaper, are wondering what exactly is going on. Others, like Coleman Kinzler, believe it is the beginning of the end. Meanwhile, Laura Byrd is trapped in an Antarctic research station, her supplies are running low, her radio finds only static, and the power is failing. With little choice, Laura sets out across the ice to look for help, but time is running out. Kevin Brockmeier alternates these two storylines to create a lyrical and haunting story about love, loss and the power of memory.
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Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 Interesting premise, but lacking in the end., 2008-10-08
Like many others who have read this book, the premise of the story was quite interesting. We all wonder what happens after we die, and I found this story to be quite original and unheard of. This being said, I should explain why I gave this book a three star rating. I hesitated between three and four stars, but in the end, realized that behind the originality of the book, and the good writing, the characters ended up being quite dull, and the finality of the story quite a contrast to the novelty of the plot. I do not want to reveal too much of the story in this review because, while I gave this book three stars, I still believe it is worth a read. I will not describe the book, as other reviews have done this. I will simply say that my initial impression of the book was very positive, and I found myself looking forward to picking up the book. However, around the middle of the novel, my interest started to dwindle. The chapters about Laura's trek through the Arctic land became quite trying and difficult to get through. Moreover, upon her finding out what happened in the world, her journey seemed pointless. The author introduced some decent characters but failed to truly develop them and tie them to Laura life in the living world. There were a few stories, such as the blind man, the religious fanatic, the Coke executive, that were all fairly interesting in their own merit, but the true connection that links them all, that is Laura, was not clearly established. Finally, as the novel neared its end, the uniqueness and freshness of the initial story was replaced by dull chapters in which the only possible conclusion came, without surprise and excitement, and the book ended. It is as if the author came up with this very original story, but struggled to bring it to an exciting and inventive end, so he just wrote the ending that was clearly inevitable, without adding any hint of suspense, any elements of surprise or clever twists.
The good thing about this book, besides the innovative story, is that it is only 250 pages, and is therefore an easy, and fairly interesting read despite its misgivings.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 One of the best books I have read in a while, 2008-08-26
With the world spinning around series like Twilight and Harry Potter, it is rare that one hears about a single book that is worth reading. I came across this book at the bookstore, drawn in by the title and cover. I started reading and instantly fell in love. The idea of multiple narrators is a lost art, and usually does not turn out well, but I found that this book was a shining example of what such a book should consist of.
I found myself completely immersed in this book, and crying when it ended because there was nothing left to read. I will definitely read other books from this author.
I believe that this book has what many books are lacking in today's mainstream literature: a cohesive plot, a "what if" answered, and a very strong message about our society and where it is headed. As someone who over thinks books, I can tell you that this book does not disappoint. The message is a great one, and the way it was delivered is amazing.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new book to anyone looking for a new book worth their time.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Stunningly imaginative, 2008-06-27
I highly recommend this book. It absolutely blew me away -- the originality, the fantasy-without-outlandishness, and even the totally expected ending that somehow became tear-jerkingly touching. The first chapter alone, published as a short story in the New Yorker, is thrilling by itself. This novel was a joy.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 Well written, well conceived, but deeply depressing, 2008-06-23
I don't have any new critique of this novel to add but I want to mention that several of the themes and certainly the ending, have left me feeling deeply sad and hopeless. I was drawn in by the first few chapters and an admiration for the creative undertaking. The last quarter of the book is perhaps the most depressing thing I've ever read -- not something I typically walk away with from a book. Maybe not a good book to take on if you're not in the mood.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 Interesting Concept, 2008-06-18
I am reviewing the audio version of this book. I found the concept to be so interesting and I really enjoyed the relationships between the people in The City. I loved Laura's story and reading about her finally realizing what was going on in the outside world,and her desperate attempts at trying to save herself. HOWEVER! I was disappointed in the ending, only because it was so.... bleh. Even though I finished the book about a week ago, I still keep thinking about the book and wondering what happened. There could have been so much more to the story and the characters. I wonder about the plague - how it happened, where it came from. I wonder if Laura was the last sole survivor of the human race. I wonder what happens to the inhabitants of The City when they move on. I wonder what happens to The City itself after everyone leaves. I wonder about all the unanswered questions that the ending leaves. Now, I realize that sometimes not having a story tied up in a neat little bow is a better ending. But for some reason, the unexplained and unanswered parts of this story bother me. I would recommend the book because it is a good read and very interesting. Plus, it is thought provoking and unique. I only wish the ending had satisfied my need to know more about what happened AFTER the ending, and more about what was going on in the "real world" during the story.
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