IRED Bookclub discussion

I finished the book a couple days ago and I feel as though some of the cities have really stuck with me more than others. Some for the imagery, some for the symbolism, some for just plain weirdness. Which city is the one that made the biggest impression on you?

My choice would be Ersilia. I love the imagery of the strings connecting the houses, like a living diagram of the lives of its citizens. I really like the paradox that the relationships of the people of Ersilia are both its most treasured asset and its inevitable downfall. And do the the citizens abandon their friends, family, and other relationships when the city moves? Does every relationship need to be re-established to "earn" a string in the new Ersilia? I find the whole premise fascinating,

Octavia, the city suspended over a canyon with ropes and chains. I like the image of a city like that, and also wonder why anyone would live in a city like that. Or even start building it. There's perfectly fine solid land where you tethered your rope - use that! Not entirely sure what exactly it's trying to say, but I liked that one.

Jonas wrote: "Octavia, the city suspended over a canyon with ropes and chains. I like the image of a city like that, and also wonder why anyone would live in a city like that. Or even start building it. There's ..."

Octavia would be on my shortlist as well. The idea of a city being premised on confrontation with mortality is brilliant and terrifying.

The one where the citizens never really talk to each other and just make eye contact and glance around a lot. I have no idea why but that one has stuck with me. I think it about it way too much.