j_m_alexander 's review for:

Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino

4.0

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Marco tells Kublai of a city far away, one that was originally reached by a river, then built up further along railways, and is now encircled and vivisected by black roads in constant disrepair and yet always being newly paved. Marco describes a city that is one of industry, one of learning, and one of historical importance in so far as the new world's history goes. He tells Kublai of the city that has it's leader's pristine white residence built on a hill of green and then immediately surrounded by structures of steel and glass. He describes the people that live in this city, the people that populate massive homes both gated and immaculately manicured, as well as those that live only blocks away on the streets and in the parks, and he also tells of the migratory youth population that racks up debt from the cities institutions of learning while frequenting the lower establishments of drink, dancing, and general debauchery. It is a crumbling city and a growing city, a city of conservative establishments and budding liberal upstarts, a city of street culture and high culture - the city Marco details goes by the name of Richmond (Virginia, USA) and is a middling city both strangely idyllic and strikingly unremarkable.

A beautifully written and brilliant exploration into cities - what they are, how they are perceived, and what any of it really means. An excellent thought exercise that will open your eyes to your own surroundings. You will see them from new points of view, an infinite number of them. It will also make one itch to travel to new places and explore, finding unique places to your own experience, for a city is different to each set of eyes that are laid upon it.