Disturbing

This was a book I couldn't stop reading and it was also a book I couldn't stop thinking about once it ended. It's message was thought provoking. A story of a family, the Websters, the plot evolves into the ultimate destruction of humanity. And yet we see that other alien races in the novel tend to make similar errors as they, too evolve. Life's questions, such as "to kill or not to kill" and "what does it mean to be human" and even the more abstract scifi rule to not interfere with another race are prevalent throughout the novel. If you are looking for a light reading experience, this is not the novel to read. But if you are looking for a book that will evoke discussion and comment on the human condition, this is a gold mine. Do not let the age of the book fool you into thinking it is no longer pertinent. The story is more pertinent today than it could have been when it was first written. The author's own comment prior to the Epilogue was intriguing. The narrators were very good and overall, this was an excellent read. I am delighted I bought it.

24 people found this helpful

A very special kind of story.

A little Rickety around the edges as any novel from the 1940s imagining the far future would be, it is the only criticism of an otherwise remarkable narrative. A leading writer in the field of speculative fiction, Simak created his own sub-genre that explored the nature of humanity and the universe with optimism, compassion and gentleness. His words hold a special kind of magic, based on a undefined spirituality that sets him apart from the humanistic philosophies of so many of his contemporaries. Listening to his words, one cannot but help feel that Simak was one special kind of man. Probably not for everyone, this is not space opera, this is sci-fi as philosophy and literature.

26 people found this helpful

Wonderful Masterful Sci Fi

A fantastical recollection of humanity from the perspective of another race! At times the perspective makes you wonder about human influence and what the human race aspires to achieve!

1 person found this helpful

City

Does not live up to the written description. Very disappointed. More about the Webster family that dogs.

7 people found this helpful

Does not stand the test of time

This is one of those classic pieces of sci-fi that simply doesn't hold up to the rigors of time. It's not terrible but it'd nothing I would consider noteworthy.

Will a pandemic replace flying cars?

It has been a great book 30 years ago when I read it for the first time and it is even better now reading it with life experience. Since reading it for the first time I was hoping that internet and robotics would allow people to move apart and live wherever they like. It seems like we might be finally getting there now. Would cities really become obsolete one day?

City stands the w of time.

City stands the test of time! I read City the first time almost 45 years ago. Then it was about a world that might come to be, now it is about a world that might be. The setting is irrelevant to the real meaning of this book, that meaning being the answer to the question -what does it mean to be human, what is humanity...

I was happy to rediscover this master piece

I read the story when I was in my teens. It was in a different language at the time. So happy to listen Simak's simple an wonderful words. I since have read other of his novels, I had forgotten that the author was obsessed with the end of our civilization. probably because he went through the two world wars. City or (Demain les chiens) remains my favorite.

1 person found this helpful

Interesting but not profound

Between chapters they warn you might not understand or you might be upset. It's an interesting story but not as profound as it professes to be.

3 people found this helpful

*Beautiful Example of Classic Sci-Fi*

Although it took two chapters before this novel really got its legs, I can't say enough great things about it.
I have read a lot of Simak's other works, and City is, BY FAR, his best.
It's really a shame that science fiction of this high caliber no longer exists as plentifully as it did during the 1950's & 60's.

Pick this one up if you are a fan of Robert Sheckley, Philip K. Dick, Isaac Asimov, or Ray Bradbury.
Really, really excellent listen.

9.37 / 10.00

8 people found this helpful