[knivesout]

I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with you on PSS, Cal.


I liked Yag too - a lot, in fact. The passages that precede each section, for example, are told from his perspective, and establish a certain affinity with him as our guide and perhaps representative in New Crobuzon.

However, he is a winged being who has had his wings amputated by his people as a punishment for a crime. This is somewhat equal to you or me having our legs amputated as punishment. Surely one must have known all along that Yag's crime must have been more than some petty transgression? How on earth is it out of character for someone who bears the mark of a great crime to turn out to be a criminal!

He does seem to redeem himself by growing out of his self-absorption and helping Isaac overcome the terror that falls over the city. But in no way is he entitled to regain flight, and unilaterally reverse the verdict of his people, thereby belittling his very real crime. BTW, Yag seems to reappear in Iron Council - see if you can spot this one.

As I've said, I liked this ending because I sense or know that this is how many real-life endeavours end - a mixed victory that hardly seems different from defeat in many specifics. It certainly is a downer ending rather an a satisfying climax. And yes, the last 50 pages or so do seem like a sudden realisation that the book has to be ended, so get on with it!

Of course, it would be nice if Mieville's open endings allow him to re-visit certain characters and ideas later on. I know rune would like to know more about Uther Doul, and I'd certainly love to see more of Isaac. And even Bellis, or Tanner. He has said he never says no, so who knows...