TL;DR
In 'The City of Ember', two friends must solve an ancient puzzle to save their darkening city from eternal darkness.
What is The City of Ember about
'The City of Ember' by Jeanne DuPrau is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where a city is illuminated by vast underground lamps. When these lights begin to fade, two young friends, Lina and Doon, discover part of an ancient message that may hold the key to saving their city. Together, they must decipher the clues and convince their community to follow them to safety before it's too late. This thrilling adventure story emphasizes themes of hope, perseverance, and the importance of questioning the status quo.
The City of Ember 7 Key Takeaways
Introduction of Ember
The city of Ember was constructed as a sanctuary for humanity, illuminated by sprawling underground lamps. The story sets the stage in a city where darkness pervades beyond the boundaries of Ember's lights.
Discovery of the Ancient Message
Lina finds a tattered document that she believes contains crucial information for saving Ember. She enlists the help of her friend Doon to decipher the fragmented message.
The Decoding Process
Lina and Doon work together to piece together the document's meaning. Their efforts lead them to uncover secrets about their city's history and the intentions of its original builders.
Confrontation with Authorities
The duo's discovery puts them at odds with the city's leaders, who are skeptical and unwilling to accept the potential risks of the unknown. Lina and Doon face obstacles in convincing others of their findings.
Escape Plan
As the city's lights continue to fail, Lina and Doon form a plan to escape Ember. They gather supplies and brace themselves for the journey into the unknown, hoping to find a new refuge.
Journey to the Surface
Lina and Doon navigate the perilous path out of Ember, encountering various challenges. Their journey symbolizes the struggle against fear and the unknown, underlining their determination and courage.
Discovery of the Outside World
The friends finally emerge from Ember and behold the natural world for the first time. Their discovery opens a new chapter of hope and possibilities, suggesting a future beyond the confines of their underground city.
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The City of Ember Best Reviews
- “A realistic post-apocalyptic world. DuPrau’s book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of undiscovered country and readers wanting more.” —USA Today
- “An electric debut.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred
- “While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description.” —VOYA, Starred
Top The City of Ember Quotes
- “The trouble with anger is, it gets hold of you. And then you aren't the master of yourself anymore. Anger is.”
- “People find a way through just about anything.”
Who should read The City of Ember?
'The City of Ember' is ideal for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy science fiction and adventure stories. It’s also suitable for adults who appreciate well-crafted, thought-provoking narratives. The book offers valuable lessons on hope, resilience, and the importance of questioning the world around us.
The City of Ember FAQs
What age is 'The City of Ember' appropriate for?
'The City of Ember' is suitable for readers aged 9-12, with a reading level of grades 3-7. The book has a Lexile measure of 680L.
Is 'The City of Ember' based on a true story?
No, 'The City of Ember' is a work of fiction. It is a novel set in a post-apocalyptic world.
Is 'The City of Ember' worth reading?
Yes, 'The City of Ember' is highly praised for its compelling story and rich descriptions. It is a beautifully crafted narrative that appeals to both children and adults.
Does 'The City of Ember' have romance?
Romance is minimal in 'The City of Ember'. There are hints of a relationship between minor characters Lizzie Bisco and Looper Windley, but the main characters' relationship remains platonic.