The City and the City

China Miéville takes the idea of borders to an extreme and absurd degree. What comment is he making about borders and their effects?

How does Miéville blend genres in his novel? What genres is he working in, and what are some examples how each is used in the narrative?

Miéville never explains how Besźel and Ul Qoma came to occupy the same physical space (apart from some vague historical exposition). Rather, he lets it stand as a given. What is the advantage of not providing this exposition? Are there disadvantages?

In what ways does Borlú conform to the hard-boiled detective archetype? In what ways does he subvert it?

Orciny’s existence has been thoroughly discredited, but some, including Geary and Rodriguez, cling to the myth. What comment is Miéville making about the need to believe in the unbelievable? How does Bowden use that need to his advantage?

In many ways, the mere idea of Breach is enough to keep the citizens in line. What is the narrative suggesting about the power of implicit coercion to maintain civic order?

Miéville’s politics lean decidedly to the left. In what ways do his politics inform the narrative?

An air of suspicion and paranoia pervades the novel. How does Miéville reinforce this tone? What might he be saying about suspicion and conspiracy if even a down-to-earth pragmatist like Borlú can fall prey to them?