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June 21, 2007

Un Lun Dun

When I went to the library last weekend to pick up Un Lun Dun, I chuckled when they referred me to the children's section downstairs. Mieville, I thought, is not a children's author. And besides, the book was over 400 pages long. Surely not a read intended for kids.

My skepticism was confirmed when I read the acknowledgments, which listed Clive Barker - among others - as inspiration.

I mean, who in their right mind would let their kids read a book by Barker?

Well, having finished the text, I can say with authority that I was wrong.

Un Lun Dun is definitely a young adult book. It was clever, and at moments inspired, but - probably because of my mis-set expectations - never really lived up to what I've come to expect from Mieville.

Not bad, just not amazing. If you happen to have a 'tween in the house, have them give it a whirl. If you're a Mieville fan, well, give it a shot.

Posted by dberger at June 21, 2007 9:27 PM