The City, Not Long After

After a plague that killed most of the population, San Francisco has become an artists' colony. A young woman goes to San Francisco to find her mother and to warn the residents of the coming invasion. The artists must fight to defend their city, but they'd rather be painting the Golden Gate Bridge blue. This is an entertaining, unusual, and well written post-apocalyptic story that gives new meaning to the phrase "the art of war." It includes magical elements that I could've done without, but all in all, I really enjoyed it.

I first stumbled upon this book some seven-odd years ago, when I was just moving into the beginnings of a proverbial intellectual 'awakening.' I spent perhaps four months tracking it down, as it was out of print and not carried at my library; read it at least a half-dozen times while it was in my posession, and only begrudgingly gave it up when the time was due (though it was rather tempting to keep and fess up the library fine). In hindsight, this book is idealistic in nature: It is a peaceful, love-beaded dystopian novel with more than its share of hope. It tells the story of a community of citizens who have migrated to San Francisco, in an event to both continue with their crafts (There are painters, sculpters, just plain tinkerers). They also attempt to organise themselves against the "General," a militaristic dictator-esque figure moving across America. This settlement comes in the wake of an outbreak of plague, as a result of an altruistic attempt to bring peace to the world, and to the United States. Although a children's book, this novel still stands out in my mind as being one of the most powerful books I have ever read. Rarely do a book's details stay with one for the better part of ten years, in the clarity that this one has. Well-worth tracking down, or buying used.

I've read this book a number of times since I first discovered it a few years ago. The story & characters stay at the edge of my memory and as the details get blurry, I take it out & read it again. Pat Murphy's description of San Franscisco as the artists transform it, is so vivid that I can see their art and understand its impact. It's an entrancing book -- I wish it had a sequel.

Following the Plague that destroyed most the inhabitants of America, the City of San Fransiscoe remains populated by artists, hippies and the like. An army general is on a course to re-unite the once great America and San Fransisco is the city next in line on his agenda - but the artists resist, not by military confrontation - but by 'fighting with their art and creativity.' The characters are so alive and energetic - the story is chilling, memorable and superbly told by Pat Murphy. This is one of the greats - not to be missed!!!

Set in San Francisco "not long after" most of the population has died. Some of the survivors have decided to stay in the City they love and have established an odd community of hippies, artists and misfits. The plot centers around their decision to resist militaristic invaders on their own terms. This is a lyrical and entrancing novel with a solid plot and interesting charachters. The subject matter could easily dissolve into New Age sentimentality but Murphy comes through with shinning colors, staying true to the characters while delivering an original and fascinating story with a poetic and mythological feel. If you live in San Francisco you must read this. If you don't live here it'll make you wish you did.