The City of Ember Book Summary - The City of Ember Book explained in key points

The City of Ember summary

Brief summary

The City of Ember is a captivating novel by Jeanne DuPrau. It tells the story of Lina and Doon, two brave young people who discover the truth about their underground city and embark on a daring adventure to find a way out.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    The City of Ember
    Summary of key ideas

    The Beginning of a Journey

    In The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, we are introduced to the city of Ember, an underground city built to protect its inhabitants from an unspecified disaster. The city is powered by a massive generator, but after 200 years, the city is running out of supplies and the generator is failing. The story begins with the selection of the new mayor and the assignment of jobs to the city's young graduates. Our protagonists, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, are among these graduates.

    Lina is assigned the job of a Pipeworks laborer, while Doon is assigned to the generator. However, both are unhappy with their assignments and decide to swap jobs. Doon believes that he can fix the generator, and Lina is curious about the Pipeworks, which she believes holds the key to the city's survival. Their decision to swap jobs sets the stage for their adventure.

    The Discovery of a Secret

    While working in the Pipeworks, Lina discovers a small metal box containing a set of instructions. She takes the box to her grandmother, who is bedridden, and together they decipher the message. The message reveals that the city of Ember is not the only city and that there is a way out. However, the message is incomplete, and Lina and Doon decide to search for the rest of the message.

    As they explore the city, they encounter various obstacles and challenges. They also learn about the corrupt mayor and his cronies, who have been hoarding supplies and keeping the truth about the city's situation from the citizens. Despite these challenges, Lina and Doon remain determined to find a way out of Ember and save its inhabitants.

    The Race Against Time

    As the city's situation worsens, Lina and Doon race against time to find the way out. They eventually discover a series of tunnels that lead them to the surface. However, they also learn that the mayor plans to escape with the remaining supplies, leaving the citizens of Ember to perish in the darkness.

    In a thrilling climax, Lina and Doon confront the mayor and manage to stop his escape. They then lead the citizens of Ember through the tunnels to the surface. As they emerge into the sunlight, the citizens are amazed by the world outside, which they had only heard about in stories. Lina and Doon's bravery and determination have saved the people of Ember.

    The Promise of a New Beginning

    In the end, the citizens of Ember begin their new lives on the surface. They are greeted by a group of people from a nearby city, who offer them food, shelter, and a chance to start over. Lina and Doon, having played a crucial role in the city's escape, are hailed as heroes.

    As the story concludes, Lina and Doon decide to return to Ember to search for Lina's baby sister, Poppy, who was left behind during the escape. They are determined to bring her to the surface and reunite her with her family. The book ends with the promise of a new beginning for the citizens of Ember, free from the darkness and limitations of their underground city.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is The City of Ember about?

    The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is a captivating dystopian novel set in an underground city where the lights are beginning to flicker and supplies are running out. Follow the story of two brave teenagers, Lina and Doon, as they race against time to find a way out of Ember and uncover the truth about their world.

    The City of Ember Review

    The City of Ember (2003) by Jeanne DuPrau is a captivating tale set in an underground city facing impending disaster. Here's why this book is definitely worth your time:

    • With its thrilling plot and suspenseful atmosphere, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
    • The book explores themes of resilience and resourcefulness, inspiring readers to think about problem-solving and the importance of community.
    • Through its detailed world-building and relatable characters, the story draws readers into the mysteries of Ember, making it impossible to put down.

    Who should read The City of Ember?

    • Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction and intriguing mysteries
    • Young adult and middle-grade readers looking for a thought-provoking adventure
    • Those who appreciate strong and resilient young protagonists facing challenges in a unique and atmospheric setting

    About the Author

    Jeanne DuPrau is an American author known for her captivating young adult novels. She has written several books, but she is best known for her work on the 'City of Ember' series. DuPrau's imaginative storytelling and ability to create rich, immersive worlds have earned her a dedicated following. Her books have been praised for their thought-provoking themes and engaging characters, making them a must-read for both young and adult readers alike.

    Categories with The City of Ember

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    33 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    The City of Ember FAQs 

    What is the main message of The City of Ember?

    The main message of The City of Ember is the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of darkness.

    How long does it take to read The City of Ember?

    The reading time for The City of Ember varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The City of Ember a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The City of Ember is an engaging read with a captivating storyline. It's definitely worth diving into.

    Who is the author of The City of Ember?

    The author of The City of Ember is Jeanne DuPrau.

    What to read after The City of Ember?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The City of Ember, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Emergency by Neil Strauss
    • The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
    • Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
    • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
    • The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
    • Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
    • The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
    • I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
    • Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
    • Do No Harm by Henry Marsh