The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau follows 12-year-olds Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow in the underground city of Ember, where dwindling resources and decaying infrastructure spark their quest for a way out. Assigned roles in the city's workforce, they uncover instructions left by the original builders meant to guide the inhabitants to safety. Themes include secrets, selfishness versus selflessness, and the value of curiosity. The book addresses death and loss.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau captivates with its imaginative setting and intriguing premise of a post-apocalyptic underground city. Readers praise its fast pace and compelling mystery, ideal for young adults. However, some find character development lacking and the plot predictable. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking read with a strong sense of adventure.

A reader who would enjoy The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is typically a middle-grade or young adult enthusiast who enjoys dystopian settings, adventure, and puzzles. Fans of The Hunger Games and The Giver will find its exploration of a self-contained world and the quest for survival compelling and thought-provoking.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Adventurous / Dark / Hopeful

- The City of Ember was Jeanne DuPrau's debut novel, published in 2003, and it quickly gained popularity, leading to a series of four books.
- The book was adapted into a film titled City of Ember in 2008, with Bill Murray and Saoirse Ronan among the cast.

**Lina Mayfleet**  
A spirited and imaginative 12-year-old girl who loves to run and works as a messenger in Ember. Lives with her grandmother and baby sister Poppy above a yarn shop.

**Doon Harrow**  
A curious and mechanically-minded boy in Lina's class who lives with his father. He is passionate about machines and seeks to fix the city's failing generator.

**Clary**  
A strong-looking woman who runs the greenhouses and offers Lina support and guidance. She provides Lina with a lesson on growth through a bean seed.

**Mayor Cole**  
The large and unhealthy mayor of Ember, whose questionable behavior raises doubts about his leadership. Presents himself as a figure of authority in the city.

**Mrs. Murdo**  
A clear-thinking and organized neighbor of Lina’s family. Her home becomes a refuge for Lina and Poppy after their grandmother’s passing.

Jeanne DuPrau

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Book of Ember

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The City of Ember Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 4

The City of Ember Prologue-Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The City of Ember Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

The City of Ember Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

The City of Ember Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

The City of Ember Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The City of Ember Character Analysis

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Themes

The City of Ember Themes

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The City of Ember Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The City of Ember Important Quotes

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The City of Ember

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