46 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
The novel’s protagonist, Inspector Tyador Borlú of the Extreme Crime Squad, initially appears to be yet another in a long line of hardboiled literary detectives: cynical in the face of death, adept in urban environments, often willing to bend the law to his own ends. Indeed, Borlú is all of these. Like any good detective, he dwells in two worlds—the cop’s and the criminal’s. When he interrogates Khurusch, the owner of the van, his knowledge of how criminals operate allows him to see through Khurusch’s lies. He is not above threats and coercion to pull information out of a suspect. In the end, he commits the ultimate crime: He kills a suspect without due process, acting as judge, jury, and executioner. Perhaps worse, he breaches the sacrosanct borders. He does fit the standard noir detective bill in one more way—he is isolated, unmarried, with few social connections, which makes him an ideal candidate for Breach. He must forgo his entire social network—mainly Corwi and Dhatt—but his relatively solitary life eases the transition.
Despite his rough-and-tumble exterior, however, Borlú keeps an open mind. At first convinced Orciny is only a folk tale, he allows himself to consider the possibility of its existence as he delves deeper into the case.
Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By China Miéville
Appearance Versus Reality
View Collection
Books on Justice & Injustice
View Collection
Fantasy
View Collection
Fear
View Collection
Horror, Thrillers, & Suspense
View Collection
Mystery & Crime
View Collection
Nation & Nationalism
View Collection
Order & Chaos
View Collection
Politics & Government
View Collection
Science Fiction & Dystopian Fiction
View Collection
The Best of "Best Book" Lists
View Collection
TV Shows Based on Books
View Collection