Twelve year old Zanna and her friend Deeba knew that something strange was going on. Not only did they see a cloud that looked suspiciously like Zanna's face but animals started behaving strangely around the two girls, bowing to Zanna and seemingly going out of their way just to see her.It all begins one night when Zanna and Deeba find a secret entrance that takes them out of modern day London to a parallel universe called Un Lun Dun by the locals. The girls quickly realize that the local name must really mean Unlondon, and sure enough that is exactly where they are. Unlondon is where are the broken, lost, and forgotten things of London go. Here even the smallest things can never be taken for granted. A seemingly ordinary house conceals an entire jungle, an empty milk carton is actually an affectionate pet, and a cloud of smog wants to burn the entire world.
This fantastic story stretched my imagination to new limits and took my mind to places that it had never been before. The plot is truly amazing and the world of Un Lun Dun is refreshingly new. China Miéville has created a fantasy that stands apart as an amazing departure from the ordinary. What is more the book is quite long, spanning over 400 pages of small type. Usually I can polish off the average book in an hour to an hour and a half, but this story actually took me some time to complete reading, and I feel that I still need to reread it to absorb the beautiful and magical world it creates. “Un Lun Dun,” is a book that you simply must read as soon as possible.
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8 replies so far. What are your thoughts?
The illustrations by China Mieville in this book are wonderful. I think they are even better than the writing. They add a very whimsical quality to the book.
Ah, so you've read the book yourself? I actually loved both the drawings and the main text, but I agree that the text would lack something if it weren't for the pictures, much like Paul Stewart's novels wouldn't be the same if it weren't for Chris Riddel
Yes, I have read the book. I think the book is far better than his adult books like Perdido Street Station.
By the way, I am tagging you with a meme. Alabama Bookworm has tagged me with a meme. If you would like to join please go to this link. I think you might find it rather interesting.
http://bookcalendar.blogspot.com/2008/11/bookworm-awards.html
I actually haven't read any of Mieville's adult books. "Un Lun Dun" was my first experience with his writing style and I loved it.
I'll go check out the meme, Book Calendar.
Wow. This sounds like a great book. Where is the best place to find it?
If only I had my Amazon Affiliates set up you could buy it from here and I would make a little commission! ;)
Seriously, the book is great. You can probably get it at just about any high quality bookstore, or through Amazon.com. Just do a Google search or stop by a bookstore in your area.
I love love love this book. I know a few people who thought it was too "weird", but I think it's just different from the usual young adult books today. I've heard he's written some adult books too, but I don't know if they're any good...
I really like weird books like this one. The "through the looking glass" effect is simply wonderful.
Thanks for commenting, Shelby.
Nathan
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