Everfair

by Nisi Shawl
Everfair cover
Good Books rating 2.9
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 5947
  • Added: 2025-10-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-27
  • ISBN: 9781250212313
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2023-06-13
  • Reviews: 3

Everfair is an award-winning alternate history and steampunk novel set in the Belgian Congo, blending historical fantasy with imaginative technology. The story follows a diverse group of characters—including Congolese farmers, European socialists, and a Chinese railway builder—as they establish Everfair, a utopian society filled with unique inventions like nuclear dirigibles and poison-dart pistols. The narrative explores themes of freedom, harmony, and the complexities of building a new world amid the backdrop of colonialism and the looming World War I./n/n As Everfair's founders strive to create a just society, they must navigate political intrigue, cultural clashes, and external threats. The novel is praised for its rich world-building and its exploration of alternate history, offering a compelling blend of adventure, social commentary, and imaginative storytelling. Author Nisi Shawl crafts a vivid and thought-provoking tale that challenges traditional narratives of colonialism and utopia.

Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy Book Club · 2022-07-01
critical 2.50

The book is critiqued for feeling like a loose collection of short stories rather than a cohesive novel. The constant stream of new characters is noted as a drawback.

In this Reddit discussion, several readers felt that Everfair lacked the cohesion of a traditional novel. They described it as feeling more like a collection of short stories, with a constant stream of new characters that made it difficult to connect with the narrative. While they appreciated the ambition and creativity of the book, they found the execution lacking in terms of plot and character development. The reviewers suggest that the book could have benefited from a more focused narrative to make it more engaging and cohesive.

Quick quotes

    This book really feels like a loose collection of short stories rather than a novel.

    The constant stream of new characters makes it hard to connect with the story.

    The worldbuilding is impressive, but the plot feels disjointed and unfocused.

Cannonball Read · auntadadoom · 2022-01-13
mixed 3.00

Everfair is described as sprawling and impressive but also oddly hollow. The reviewer was excited to read the book due to its accolades but found it lacking in certain areas.

The reviewer at Cannonball Read had high expectations for Everfair, given its numerous awards and nominations. They found the book to be sprawling and impressive, with a richly detailed world. However, they also felt that the novel was oddly hollow, lacking depth in some areas. The reviewer appreciates the ambition of the book but wishes it had delved deeper into certain aspects to make it more fulfilling. They note that while the book has its strengths, it ultimately falls short of their expectations.

Quick quotes

    Sprawling, impressive, and oddly hollow.

    Oh man, I was so excited to read Everfair. It won or was nominated for basically every major award.

    The worldbuilding is ambitious and stunning, but the plot and characterization feel weaker in comparison.

Goodreads · 2016-08-16
inspiring 3.20

Everfair is praised for its beauty and educational value, offering new insights into a often overlooked period of history. The novel is described as inspiring and thought-provoking.

This review highlights Everfair as a book that not only captivates with its storytelling but also educates readers about a significant yet often ignored historical period. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to inspire and provoke thought, making it a standout read. They particularly enjoy the way the book sheds light on complex issues, offering a fresh perspective that stays with the reader long after finishing the book.

Quick quotes

    Everfair is not only a beautiful book, but an inspiring and educational one that will give the reader new insight into an often ignored period of history.

    It's a book that will make you think and feel deeply about the past and its impact on the present.

    The characters and their struggles are vividly portrayed, making the historical context come alive.

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