Description
“Ship Breaker” is a young adult science fiction novel written by Paolo Bacigalupi. It was published in 2010 and is set in a future world where the effects of climate change and environmental degradation have dramatically altered society. The novel follows the story of Nailer, a young ship breaker living in a post-apocalyptic Gulf Coast region.
In this world, massive hurricanes and rising sea levels have flooded coastal areas, leaving behind a devastated landscape. Nailer works as a ship breaker, scavenging and dismantling beached oil tankers and other large vessels for valuable materials. He belongs to the lowest social class and struggles to survive in a harsh and dangerous environment.
One day, Nailer discovers a wrecked clipper ship and finds a survivor, a wealthy girl named Nita. He faces a moral dilemma as he must decide whether to help her or strip her ship for its valuable parts. This decision sets him on a path that involves dangerous encounters, betrayals, and life-changing choices.
As Nailer and Nita navigate the treacherous world of ship breaking and struggle to escape the dangers they face, they uncover secrets and conspiracies that could reshape their world. The novel explores themes of social inequality, environmental exploitation, resilience, and the power of friendship.
“Ship Breaker” received critical acclaim for its vivid world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking exploration of societal issues. It won several awards, including the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. The novel is the first in a duology, with the sequel titled “The Drowned Cities” published in 2012.
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