Nalo Hopkinson's 'Midnight Robber' is a Caribbean-flavored sci-fi novel following the life of Tan Tan, a young girl living on the planet Toussaint. Forced into exile with her father to the prison planet New Half Way Tree, Tan Tan grows up amidst exotic surroundings, facing hardships and struggles as she navigates her way through a world filled with folklore, adversity, and self-discovery. The plot delves into themes of survival, deception, incest, and patricide, ultimately focusing on Tan Tan's journey towards overcoming her past and shaping her own destiny as the Robber Queen.

The novel is praised for its rich world-building, unique writing style, and the psychological depth of its protagonist, Tan Tan. Readers appreciate the blending of sci-fi elements with Caribbean folklore, the complex character development, and the exploration of themes such as resilience, folklore, and the power of storytelling. Despite the dark and challenging aspects of the story, the book is commended for its ability to captivate readers and offer a thought-provoking narrative that goes beyond traditional genre conventions.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Tan Tan as a resilient protagonist and her father embodying the destructive impact of abuse, set against a backdrop of diverse and often troubling societal dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is a blend of dialectical richness and polished narrative, infusing folklore into a compelling sci-fi backdrop that enhances its emotional impact.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Tan Tan's transformation as she navigates from a life of comfort to one of severe hardship, ultimately focusing on her struggle against personal demons and societal issues.

Setting:

Set across two contrasting worlds, one a technologically advanced society and the other a harsh penal colony, the setting is steeped in Caribbean culture and folklore.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with a slow buildup that transitions into a gripping exploration of hardship and survival, aligning with Tan Tan's character development.

“Yes, Compère,” the runner said through a mouthful of betel nut. She set off, and every slap her two feet-them in their alpagat sandals slapped against the ground, it sounded to Antonio like “Quashee-...

Notes:

The story is set on a planet called Toussaint, colonized by Caribbean immigrants.

The protagonist, Tan Tan, is a young girl who experiences traumatic events and struggles with her identity.

The world features advanced technology that takes care of manual labor, creating a society that seems peaceful but is actually oppressive.

Tan Tan's father, the mayor, is involved in corruption and personal issues, leading to violence and exile.

The novel addresses heavy themes like child abuse and rape, making it very dark and complex.

Hopkinson uses Caribbean English dialect (Patwa) throughout the book, creating a unique reading experience.

The plot involves exploring alternate dimensions and the brutal life of criminals in New Half Way Tree, the exile planet.

The book incorporates elements of Caribbean folklore, including the mythical figure of the Robber Queen, which the protagonist aligns herself with.

Critics note the book is more about surviving trauma than a traditional adventure story, which surprised some readers.

Characters often face harsh realities, exploring themes of oppression, corruption, and societal flaws even in a futuristic setting.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are strong content warnings for non-consensual sex, incest, child abuse, and violence.

From The Publisher:

A "[d]eeply satisfying" [The New York Times Book Review] story of a father who has committed an unbelievable crime and a daughter who must then fight to save her own life.

"Caribbean patois adorns this novel with graceful rhythms…Beneath it lie complex, clearly evoked characters, haunting descriptions of exotic planets, and a stirring story…[This book] ought to elevate Hopkinson to star status." --Seattle Times

It's Carnival time and the Caribbean-colonized planet of Toussaint is celebrating with music, dance, and pageantry. Masked "Midnight Robbers" waylay revelers with brandished weapons and spellbinding words. To young Tan-Tan, the Robber Queen is simply a favorite costume to wear at the festival-until her power-corrupted father commits an unforgiveable crime.

Suddenly, both father and daughter are thrust into the brutal world of New Half-Way Tree. Here monstrous creatures from folklore are real, and the humans are violent outcasts in the wilds. Tan-Tan must reach into the heart of myth and become the Robber Queen herself. For only the Robber Queen's legendary powers can save her life . . . and set her free.

Ratings (1)

Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
Midnight Robber?

See the list (76 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Midnight Robber