City Of Darkness (1976) by Ben Bova attempts to take a look at poverty, racism, and class distinction. The story would have been more effective if Bova had been more forthcoming with the realities of such things. However, for a novel aimed at young readers City Of Darkness does begin to approach these problems somewhat forthrightly.
Ron Morgan has a bright future in front of him. He’s smart, not bad looking, and dreams of being an astronomer. When he scores top marks in the National Exams it looks as if his dreams are about to come true. That is until his father demands he go into business school like he did. Dreams crushed Ron runs away. To New York City.
New York City is only open in summer so tourists can play in the once great city. The rest of the year it remains closed and empty. Ron intends to only spend a few days in New York but a chance encounter with Sylvia sends him on a completely different tack.
Ron suddenly finds himself beaten, penniless, and alone. And with no ID card, he can’t get through the gate to his clean, safe life. Ron must now find a way to survive the harsh realities of New York. Living by his wits and his skill his life, and the lives of everyone else left behind could change forever.
City Of Darkness portrays a future USA, however, Bova draws heavily on the current events and recent history of mid-1970s America. Leaning into the economic and social inequalities facing minorities at the time, Bova envisions a future that is great for some but horrible for others. He also uses the pollution problems of large cities like New York as a spur for great social upheaval making City Of Darkness an early commentary on climate change.
The backdrop of New York City serves as both setting and obstacle. A dome covers New York that makes the city a prison for the unfortunate inhabitants who live there year-round. And like a prison, it dehumanizes those forced to be there.
One of the prominent features of City Of Darkness is Bova’s use of gangs. New York has always had trouble with gangs but what happens when any sort of law is absent? Bova attempts to work this out and is moderately successful, I think. What I thought about most, though, was John Carpenter’s Escape From New York (1981). Although the two stories are wildly dissimilar, there are elements where the two overlap.
Bova’s characters are surprisingly complex and nuanced for a novel geared towards young readers. None of the characters are two-dimensional cutouts. Ron, while privileged and naïve, is still wise enough to know that he can’t truly understand the people he meets. The gang leaders, Al and Timmy Jim, are ruthless and violent when needed, but both have aspirations beyond the gangs. And Sylvia, a child prostitute and mother, has an inner strength that goes beyond mere survival.
One thing that Bova does well in City Of Darkness is to highlight the casual racism of the era and take it a step beyond. Races do not mix to the point where people of colour don’t seem to exist beyond television images. There’s an explanation for this towards the end of the story and it’s not a pleasant one.
Yet, despite Bova’s ability as a writer, City Of Darkness lacks a serious punch in the end. Bova, whether by design or flaw, drew a line he would not cross. Perhaps he didn’t have it in him to look at the truly harsh realities he was trying to conjure up. Bova adds a layer of distance that insulates the reader. A better thing to do would have been to show the raw truth in these things. The ending is, frankly, weak.
There is a pervading sadness throughout City Of Darkness. The idea of children acting so far outside what they should be experiencing is depressing. It’s a reality that afflicts far too many children around the world.
Readers who enjoy dystopian stories will find a lot to like about City Of Darkness. Also, fans of Bova should enjoy the story for his ability and style if for nothing else. City Of Darkness is not the best dystopian novel I’ve read. However, it will make you think about your place in the world and what you can do to make it better.
