This is a deeply thoughtful, lyrical novel that was difficult to get into initially because of how much it explores the interiority of its main character Bo. To me, the strength of the novel lies in its character growth and development, as well as its vivid descriptions of the Floating City -- the way the despair and loneliness of its inhabitants are reflected in the run-down, deteriorating, empty surroundings.

I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Bo as a self-conscious artist going through a low period in her life. I would guess that Kwan has first-hand experience with watching and worrying about her peers, trying to balance her commitment to her art and the delicate nature of managing the "black dog" of mental health.

Highly recommended for enjoyers of literary fiction, environmental/ecocide fiction, and anyone who's struggled with art and creativity.

Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for early access.

This is a beautiful novel that is deeply thematic.

It’s very much in the literary fiction genre, which I don’t normally read. The story is simple yet moving.

I would’ve loved to see a bit more dialogue. There would be pages upon pages of writing with no dialogue and I found my mind wandering.

Overall, this is a fantastic debut novel, and I would recommend it to people who frequently read the literary fiction genre.


Thank you to the publishers and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a very long time to get into this book, but it was worth the wait. The end was spectacular, and the character development really kicked in around 80% through I finally felt attached to all the characters.

Susanna Kwan has a beautiful flow to her writing. Even when it took me a while to connect with the story and characters the writing was enjoyable from the first page. By the end I really felt the essence of humanity, and our need to connect on a deep level and feel seen and loved. Loneliness is an awful thing. What a great first novel! I can’t wait to see what else Susanna Kwan writes in the future.

Thank you Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book.

#netgalley #awakeinthefloatingcity

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This book was something I normally wouldn't read, but the cover and title caught me. This is such a beautiful story that is told so well. I love how easily I am about to envision this society in my mind. I really love the meaning behind the novel pointing out how so many different people and places are so important to us. This would make a great book club book!

What an absolutely beautiful book. The writing is simplistic, but so descriptive that you can easily picture this dystopian society overtaken by water. I connected with the main protagonist, Bo, trying to hold on to her familiar, yet completely changed, world. This will make an outstanding book club pick and I have a feeling it will be a modern classic.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read!

Wow...wow a beautiful novel. Sometimes simplicity is key and yet as simplistic this review is I want you to know the this novel itself is quite complex with well loved characters and vivid descriptions. The writing is thoughtful and lyrical in a sense that carries you through the pages as if you are gliding through the narrative alongside our main character Bo, where we examine a world that she lives in so believable and well constructed it makes you look out the window and almost picture it like a painting. I absolutely loved this novel and will talk about it with all my reading friends.