THE JUST CITY

by Jo Walton
 
In one sentence, I would describe The Just City as a beach read for philosophy nerds.  Set in ancient times (sort of) the premise is that the goddess Athena transports people from all over the world, and throughout history, who have studied Plato and wish to build the Just City as described in Plato’s Republic. Told by three narrators—the god Apollo in human form, a young girl being raised in the city and a Victorian woman transported to help design it—the story tackles not only the philosophical issues of free will, destiny and justice, it is also somehow about growing up and discovering yourself as a person.
 
For those who have studied philosophy, I am sure there are tons of little Easter eggs, and characters you will recognize.  For the rest of us, it’s an engaging story, with vivid characters that might just get you thinking about some of life’s bigger questions. (Lily)