BOOK BRIEF

Railsea

China Miéville
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Railsea

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

Book Brief

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China Miéville

Railsea

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

424

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Railsea • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2012

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

730L

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Super Short Summary

In Railsea by China Miéville, a young person named Sham embarks on a journey across a vast, rail-filled world. The story explores themes of exploration, discovery, and the search for meaning within a landscape of perilous tracks and bizarre creatures, where individuals navigate complex societal roles and personal quests.

Mysterious

Adventurous

Fantastical

Gritty

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.1

14,311 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

China Miéville's Railsea reimagines Herman Melville's Moby-Dick in a unique dystopian setting. Critics praise its inventive world-building and rich prose, though some find the complex narrative challenging. The novel's blend of adventure and philosophical themes is compelling, albeit potentially overwhelming for some readers. Overall, it is a thought-provoking reinterpretation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Railsea?

Readers who enjoy Railsea by China Miéville are likely fans of speculative fiction, steampunk, and adventurous storytelling. They may also appreciate the inventive narratives found in books like Moby-Dick by Herman Melville and Perdido Street Station by Miéville himself. These readers enjoy complex world-building and allegorical themes.

4.1

14,311 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

424

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Railsea • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2012

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

730L

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