THE CITY & THE CITY

What begins as a murder investigation turns into a tale of two cities—Beszel and Ul Qoma—which overlap the same physical space, separated by different reality realms. John Lee guides listeners through the intricate urban structures, cultures and taboos, and the "crosshatch" areas where citizens catch sight of—but scrupulously "unsee"—one another, and even "unsmell" tantalizing aromas drifting through the tenuous membrane separating them. Staring into the "other" world risks "breach," an offense subject to harsh punishment. Lee's voice draws listeners into China Miéville's wonderfully surreal cityscapes, and their complex languages, people, and politics. Meanwhile, back at the murder, Lee embodies police Inspector Tyador Borlú’s dilemma as his investigation grows dangerously close to unearthing government secrets. Is there a third city? Strange and fascinating listening. S.J.H © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]