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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I recently pulled this book out of storage and am contemplating re-reading it. Neal Stephenson has the rare ability to make certain kinds of information exciting and intriguing. Things like computers, technology, ancient history, the mechanics of space travel, and cryptography -- the sorts of topic that made me very sleepy in high school classrooms -- come alive when intertwined with the intricate plots and characters of his novels. This book takes a while to get into, but I remember it being worth the slog. Particularly memorable: Nazi gold, Van Eck phreaking, and Amy Shaftoe, a treasure hunter who may or may not be a lesbian -- but who clearly knows her way around an outboard motor.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cryptitanic
Exceptionally rich story, epic character development, story spanning multiple era's ... wow.
Heartily recommended!
Heartily recommended!
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ugh- I am 500 pages in, and I still can't figure out what the story is.
There are interesting bits and pieces. I don't hate it from scene to scene... but being this far in without the story pulling me further? It's time to put it down.
There are interesting bits and pieces. I don't hate it from scene to scene... but being this far in without the story pulling me further? It's time to put it down.
Classic stuff! Fascinating historical events tied into a current story which is perhaps more relevant now than when it was written.
DNF. Primary characters were annoying and I don't have time for that.
This is a really long book that explores some interesting aspects of WWII cryptography and information theory. Unfortunately half of the book feels dated because it was written as 'modern day' in the late 1990s and focuses on technology. That would be forgivable if the characters had any substance to them. Instead they're just completely unbelievable. Now, top that off with a story that meanders around while taking frequent detours and you're in for an arduous look at data encryption and what Stephenson calls hacking. The WWII snippets are better in terms of story and slightly better in terms of characters, but still not great. This is where you get some good looks at cryptography and information theory (assuming you can slog through the explanations of basic mathematical concepts first).
Probably not worth reading. Just find a book about WWII cryptography and you should get more out of it in fewer pages.
Probably not worth reading. Just find a book about WWII cryptography and you should get more out of it in fewer pages.
What a romp. It's a long book. But it was well-worth the effort to see one of Stephenson's early works, become immersed in his lightly-alternate history of WW2 codebreakers and contemporary business intrigue. There's some dated language use in here, but the overall thrust of the book holds attention even today. But, my god, is it long.