New York 2140

by Kim Stanley Robinson
New York 2140 cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4991
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9788834734032
  • Publisher: Narrativa tascabile
  • Published: 2017-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson is a visionary novel set in a future where rising sea levels have submerged much of New York City. The story explores how society adapts to this new reality, with skyscrapers turned into vertical slums and the streets transformed into canals. The novel delves into themes of climate change, capitalism, and the human spirit, offering a blend of hard science and social commentary. /n/n The narrative follows a diverse cast of characters, including street-level activists, Wall Street traders, and scientists, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of this waterlogged world. Robinson's meticulous world-building and thought-provoking ideas make this a compelling read for fans of speculative fiction.

Reviews
Around the World in Eighty Years · 2017-10-30
harsh 2.00

The book is difficult to swallow and not one of Robinson's best works. The reviewer would not recommend it to others.

The reviewer finds New York 2140 to be a challenging read, not one of Robinson's best works. They express that the book is difficult to swallow, likely due to its heavy themes and complex narrative. The reviewer would not recommend it to others, suggesting that it may not be as engaging or well-executed as some of Robinson's other works. The negative sentiment is clear, indicating that the book did not meet the reviewer's expectations in terms of enjoyment and quality.

Quick quotes

    Overall this is a pretty difficult to swallow book.

    Not one of his best works and not one that I would recommend to anyone.

    The book's heavy themes and complex narrative make it a challenging read.

Schicksalgemeinschaft · 2017-04-08
good 4.00

The book's subject is heavy, but the writing is light and breezy, often eliciting laughter. The balance of serious themes with humorous moments is well-executed.

The reviewer notes that despite the heavy subject matter, the writing in New York 2140 is often light and breezy, making it an enjoyable read. They mention laughing out loud several times, which adds a layer of complexity to the novel. The balance of serious themes with humorous moments is well-executed, making the book accessible and engaging. The reviewer appreciates how Robinson manages to tackle serious issues while keeping the tone engaging and often amusing. This duality makes the novel stand out and keeps readers invested in the story.

Quick quotes

    New York 2140's subject is quite heavy, but the writing often manages to be light and breezy.

    I laughed out loud several times.

    KSR uses humor to great effect, making the heavy themes more palatable.

The Guardian · Adam Roberts · 2017-03-03
brilliant 4.50

The novel is impressively ambitious and tackles a grave threat to civilization. It stands alongside other visionary works in its scope and depth.

Adam Roberts highlights the novel's ambitious scope and its ability to tackle a grave threat to civilization. He praises the book for its visionary qualities, comparing it to other significant works in the genre. The reviewer appreciates the depth and breadth of Robinson's imagination, making it a standout piece of speculative fiction. However, Roberts also notes that the book's length and complexity might be challenging for some readers, but the payoff is worth the effort. The novel's utopian elements and detailed world-building are particularly commendable.

Quick quotes

    New York 2140 is a towering novel about a genuinely grave threat to civilisation.

    Impressively ambitious, it bears comparison with other visionaries' attempts to grapple with the big issues of our time.

    The vision of a flooded city is surprisingly utopian, given the dire circumstances.

Appears in Lists