The City of Ember
 | |
| Author | Jeanne DuPrau |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | The Book of Ember series |
| Genre | Young adult, Science fiction, Fantasy novel |
| Publisher | Random House/Yearling |
Publication date | 2003 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover and Paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-375-82273-9 (hardcover first edition) Parameter error in {{ISBNT}}: invalid character |
| Followed by | The People of Sparks |
The City of Ember is a 2003 post-apocalyptic book by Jeanne DuPrau. It revolves around the city of Ember, the one known human settlement in a pitch black world. Ember is also known as "the only light in the dark world" that's slowly dying as supplies run low and the electrical system starts to fail.
The main character is Lina Mayfleet, who, along with her friend, Doon Harrow, watch as the light of Ember flickers and work together to discover a way to save the city or to find a way to some other city.
Plot
Ember is a self-contained city, made over 200 years ago by "the Builders." It is the only known settlement of humankind in a world of total utter destruction-some human-caused catastrophe has destroyed all other remains of civilization.
All food and supplies come from giant storerooms under the city and a bunch of greenhouses. All the light in the city comes from the lights placed all around the city. The electricity in the city comes from an ancient hydro-electric generator in the underground Pipeworks. Beyond the borders of Ember are the dark Unknown Regions, which are impossible to enter.
The story begins after the construction of the city. Two of the Builders discuss what will happen when supplies run low and when the conditions become bad. They leave instructions for the citizens in a special sealed box which will open automatically after 200 years when it will be safe to leave the city.
The box is passed from Mayor to Mayor, held safe through generations, although none know what is contained within. Eventually, the box is forgotten.
The story then shifts to the year 241 in Ember, after the box had poped opened. Power outages have become common. No one knows how much longer the generator will last. In addition, supplies are becoming scarces, and the city seems to be falling apart.
Twelve year old Lina Mayfleet and her friend Doon Harrow are graduating school, and as per Ember custom, are randomly assigned careers. The headstrong Doon lands a career not suited to his temperament, and secretly switches roles with Lina. Their friendship and their first days as Ember workers end up having a major impact on the future of the city and its inhabitants. Lina discovers secrets long forgotten that should have shaped the destiny of Ember many years ago. Doon and Lina discover not only this, but also discover the "Builders" plans for how to escape Ember after such a long time. Their secrets naturally run them afoul of those interested in the increasingly decrepit status quo, and to escape authorities they must escape Ember itself.
Characters
Major characters
- Lina Mayfleet - A 12 year old citizen of Ember, Lina is described as being tall and slender, with long dark hair, and has an intelligent, inquisitive and determined nature. She dreams of working as a messenger for Ember. She wanted to explore every section and alleyway of Ember. Lina's parents are both deceased: her mother died giving birth to Lina's younger sister, Poppy, and her father died a few weeks after from a sickness that Lina is scared her grandmother is getting. Lina and her sister live with their grandmother, where, because of her grandmother's illness, Lina assumes most of the household duties. Also a talented artist, she constantly draws pictures of things she has neither seen nor learned about in Ember, such as white cities with skyscrapers and blue skies.
- Doon Harrow - Doon is also 12 years old, and one of Lina's classmates. He is described as a young man with dark hair and dark piercing eyes. He has an intelligent, analytical nature, but also a quick temper. Doon is very mechanically minded and spends much of his time studying the limited natural life of Ember.He is weird, has a big head, and a little selfish in the book.
- Poppy Mayfleet - Lina's two year old sister. Lina is highly protective of her, and she escapes out of Ember with Doon. Poppy has a tendency to get lost in crowds and to chew on objects she finds.
Supporting characters
- Evaleen Murdo - Known as Mrs. Murdo, she is the Mayfleet family's neighbor. Mrs. Murdo once ran a stationery store, but was forced to close due to a lack of supplies. She agrees to look after Granny and Poppy while Lina is at work.
- Granny Mayfleet - Lina's grandmother. She runs a yarn shop in Quillium Square. Due to her failing health, she is forced to give up her business, and spends most of her time in her apartment.
- Clary Laine - Known as Clary. The greenhouse manager of Ember, a friend of Lina's, and an old colleague of Lina's father. Clary is very supportive of Lina, and tries to help her decipher the damaged paper.
- Lizzie Bisco - One of Lina's school friends. She works in the warehouses below Ember as a Supply Clerk. Due to her connections at the warehouses she becomes aware of Ember's dwindling supplies.
- Looper - A teenage boy, described as an "odd looking person" with a long neck and large teeth. He steals items from the storerooms, some of which he sells in his shop on Night Street. He is Lizzie's boyfriend-or so Lizzie says.
- Mayor Cole - The current Mayor of Ember. Described as a "vast, heavy man," he frequently gives stirring speeches to the citizens of Ember, but seems to be unaware of, or unwilling to deal with, the city's growing problems and seems to ignore shortages of supplies among Ember's residents.
Film adaptation
A film adaptation of the novel was produced by Walden Media and Playtone, with Bill Murray as the mayor, Saoirse Ronan as Lina, and Harry Treadaway as Doon. Filming was finished in October 2007 and the film was released on October 10 2008. City of Ember was released on DVD on January 20 2009
Awards
- 2006 Mark Twain Award
References
External links