The City Beautiful

The City Beautiful

book

2021, Books, Teen & Young Adult

WISE
78%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Queer Jewish historical thriller with dybbuk possession, murder mystery, and Chicago World's Fair vibes—dark, original, and absolutely haunting.

Amazon4.4
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the kind of YA that reminds you the category can do serious, sophisticated work. It's dark as hell—murdered Jewish boys, dybbuk possession, anti-Semitic violence—but it's not dark for shock value. It's dark because history was dark, and Polydoros isn't interested in sanitizing it.

What makes it special is the sheer originality: queer Jewish historical fantasy thriller is not a sentence anyone was saying before this book. The 1893 Chicago World's Fair setting is meticulously researched, the dybbuk mythology is genuinely creepy, and the murder mystery keeps the pages turning even when the content gets heavy.

The queer representation is excellent—woven naturally into the story, complicated by the historical period but never treated as the problem. The real problems are corruption, anti-Semitism, and a literal supernatural possession.

This isn't for everyone. It requires emotional maturity and the ability to sit with difficult themes. But for older teens who want something that respects their intelligence and doesn't pull punches about history or identity? This is exceptional.

Age Fit

Best for ages 15-18 who can handle dark, mature themes and have the emotional maturity for heavy content about murder, persecution, and trauma. The historical and supernatural elements make it engaging for older teens, but this is absolutely not middle grade—think upper YA.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72

A story about grief, loyalty, and identity that doesn't shy away from darkness—murdered Jewish boys, possession by a dybbuk, corruption—but handles these themes with emotional honesty rather than exploitation. The queer romance is woven naturally into the historical setting, and the protagonist's determination to protect his community and honor his friend shows genuine heart. The tone is dark and moody but not gratuitous; it's age-appropriate for older teens who can handle heavy subject matter.

Imaginative
88

This is wildly original territory: a queer Jewish historical fantasy thriller set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, centered on dybbuk possession and a murder mystery. The blend of Jewish folklore (the dybbuk concept is genuinely creepy and fascinating), meticulous historical detail, and supernatural elements creates something fresh in YA. It takes real risks with its premise and setting—this isn't your typical historical fiction or your typical paranormal romance.

Safe
58

This is a dark book with multiple content warnings: murdered children, possession, religious bigotry, violence, and likely trauma related to both immigration and anti-Semitism. Reviews consistently describe it as 'macabre,' 'dark,' and 'moody.' While it's not gratuitously graphic, these are heavy themes that could be triggering or overwhelming for sensitive readers. It's marketed as YA but skews older teen. The queer content is positive representation, not a safety concern. Lower score reflects that this would be genuinely disturbing for younger or unprepared readers.

Enriching
86

Deeply educational about Jewish immigration history, the 1893 World's Fair, anti-Semitic violence in turn-of-the-century America, and Jewish folklore/mysticism. The dybbuk mythology is explained in context, and the historical setting is meticulously researched. Beyond the facts, it offers meaningful exploration of identity, grief, queer love in a hostile time, and the immigrant experience. Reviews praise its 'raw honesty' and anger about historical injustice. This is the kind of book that teaches empathy and history simultaneously.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Wildly original premise combining Jewish folklore, queer romance, historical fiction, and supernatural thriller in ways you've never seen
  • Meticulous historical detail about 1893 Chicago, the World's Fair, and Jewish immigrant experience—you'll actually learn something
  • Positive queer representation woven naturally into the story, not treated as the 'issue' but as part of the character's life
  • Raw emotional honesty about grief, identity, anti-Semitism, and what it means to honor the dead while fighting for the living
  • Fast-paced murder mystery that keeps you turning pages despite the heavy themes
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What to Watch For

  • This is genuinely dark—murdered children, possession, violence, religious persecution—not for sensitive readers or anyone under 14
  • The dybbuk possession scenes can be creepy and disturbing; think supernatural horror elements, not cozy mystery
  • Heavy themes about historical anti-Semitism and immigrant trauma that may require emotional bandwidth
  • Some reviews mention it can feel 'raw' and angry, which is intentional but might be intense for some readers

Conversation Starters

  • "What did you know about Jewish folklore before this? How does the dybbuk concept compare to other possession stories you've heard?"
  • "Why do you think the author chose to set this during the World's Fair—what's the contrast between the celebration and what's happening to Alter?"
  • "How does Alter's experience as an immigrant in 1893 compare to immigrant experiences today? What's changed and what hasn't?"
  • "The book is described as 'angry' about historical injustice—do you think that anger comes through? Is it justified?"
  • "How does the book handle Alter's relationship with the 'dangerous boy from his past'—what makes it complicated beyond just the romance?"

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