The Just City

The Just City from award-winning writer Jo Walton is a fascinating tale about those who would live in the Republic of Plato as an experiment. The Republic is set on a remote island, isolated in time and space. The characters include the gods Apollo and Athena, who have taken on human form, Maia from England, Sokrates, robot workers, and some of the children that were bought out of slavery to be citizens there. Struggling with some of the most important questions about life and society, they seek out their own understandings of justice and ideal livelihood.

It was interesting to grow up with some of these children and this a wonderful book for young adults who have to grapple with some important adult issues. It is fun to be in the presence of Sokrates and follow the debates of the citizens. The Just City has its problems and revels in debates, but one can pursue art and philosophy there. Here Walton is a fan again, in this case, of philosophy. One can say she seems to be initiating what some could call Fan-Punk, a subgenre of genre literature where you are reminded of what an author cherishes and champions. Interesting to be a fan here again.