NOMINATED FOR THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL 2018 New York Times bestselling author Kim Stanley Robinson returns with a bold and brilliant vision of New York City in the next century. As the sea levels rose, every street became a canal. Every skyscraper an island. For the residents of one apartment building in Madison Square, however, New York in the year 2140 is far from a drowned city. There … building in Madison Square, however, New York in the year 2140 is far from a drowned city.
There is the market trader, who finds opportunities where others find trouble. There is the detective, whose work will never disappear – along with the lawyers, of course.
There is the internet star, beloved by millions for her airship adventures, and the building’s manager, quietly respected for his attention to detail. Then there are two boys who don’t live there, but have no other home – and who are more important to its future than anyone might imagine.
Lastly there are the coders, temporary residents on the roof, whose disappearance triggers a sequence of events that threatens the existence of all – and even the long-hidden foundations on which the city rests.
New York 2140 is an extraordinary and unforgettable novel, from a writer uniquely qualified to tell the story of its future.
For more from Kim Stanley Robinson, check out:
2312
Aurora
Shaman
more
A fascinating take on the future of the city. Given we’re seeing climate change wreak havoc, what will happen to the greatest city as more water intrudes? Manhattan, where we built up, will have plenty of “islands”. Who will live in them? How will they interact? A great work of imagination.
It’s really easy to get lost in this book. Part of that is because the world-building (New York City in the near-future, mostly underwater) is so realistic. But another big part is the cast of characters, who are incredibly enjoyable. But what really stands this book apart from pretty much every other dystopian post-apocalyptic future is the HOPE. These are not characters resigned to brooding and acceptance of a dystopia fate. The characters in this book see the good that still exists in the world, and they strive to make the world a better place. It’s uplifting and refreshing.
Kim Stanley Robinson knows how to tell a good story. Period. This one involves climate change, political power, technological changes, financial arbitrage and derivatives, plus people of course. All things I find interesting. Give it a read.
Superb imagining of a future flooded New York City.
I love the way Robinson creates worlds that feel so real you feel he must have been there studying life in that situation – but of course he couldn’t have since he is talking about 120 years in the future when NYC is under 50 feet of water from rising sea level. Incredibly imaginative creation of future NY with very believable characters that ground the story. Not a thriller or plot driven but very satisfying nevertheless.
this book is smart! you need to keep your thinking cap on. huge lessons on how finance impacts everything from politics to real estate to environment and friendships. great 3-D characters with individual twists, all interacting on the island of Manhattan. all the wonder of familiar ‘streets’ and buildings and parks, and waterways. riveting. educational.
A convincing projection from current trends to what the world, particularly New York City, may be like in the 22nd century. Climate change has left large parts of Manhattan with a Venice like network of canals, and other parts completely underwater. The new reality has forced many curious adaptations on the city’s residents, Sophisticated technologies exist side by side with mostly communal, somewhat primitive living conditions – although the richest and most powerful have retreated to enormous, secured skyscrapers on the higher ground of the mainland Bronx. A fascinating cast of characters bring this world to life, and make it convincing. Be patient with the story’s slow start: your patience will be rewarded.
This book focuses on our wretched financial system where parasites are able to take 13% out of the real economy without giving anything back. Robinson explains in an entertaining way how this is done. Humans have used one form of Capitalism or another for 5,000 years, but its staying power doesn’t make it fair or right. It may be time to consider alternative systems that treat humans with more dignity.