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A review by librarybonanza
The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi
5.0
First line: Chains clanked in the darkness of the holding cells.
Harrowing. Raw. Gripping. These are words. They also happen to describe Bacigalupi's second novel in the post apocalyptic world after sea levels have risen and power has shifted. In the Drowned Cities, aka Washington DC, Mahlia is a cast off war refuge that has already been saved twice: once by her friend Mouse and again by the pacifist intellectual Dr. Mahfouz who takes them in. When she finds herself wrapped up in the war once again, Mahlia must begin to weigh her survivalist instincts versus the loyalty she has for Mouse.
As many have reviewed, Bacigalupi infused this story with violence and tragedy insomuch as the plot requires. Child soldiers and the castaways of war are some of the worst tragedies of our time. As hard as it was to read this, the author gave this book incredible depth and meaning by addressing the true causes that lead a child to inhumane acts as they are manipulated and abused by those that seek to take advantage of their obedience.
And the writing is just absolutely amazing. Bacigalupi has an absolute mastery over mood and characterization. And, to repeat what others have said, this certainly should have won the Printz because it is just astounding how well written and how meaningful this book is. So good!
Harrowing. Raw. Gripping. These are words. They also happen to describe Bacigalupi's second novel in the post apocalyptic world after sea levels have risen and power has shifted. In the Drowned Cities, aka Washington DC, Mahlia is a cast off war refuge that has already been saved twice: once by her friend Mouse and again by the pacifist intellectual Dr. Mahfouz who takes them in. When she finds herself wrapped up in the war once again,
Spoiler
with Mouse as a newly recruited soldier boy and the doctor dead,As many have reviewed, Bacigalupi infused this story with violence and tragedy insomuch as the plot requires. Child soldiers and the castaways of war are some of the worst tragedies of our time. As hard as it was to read this, the author gave this book incredible depth and meaning by addressing the true causes that lead a child to inhumane acts as they are manipulated and abused by those that seek to take advantage of their obedience.
And the writing is just absolutely amazing. Bacigalupi has an absolute mastery over mood and characterization. And, to repeat what others have said, this certainly should have won the Printz because it is just astounding how well written and how meaningful this book is. So good!