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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
OK, so he can't write an ending, but it's still a great read.
Way too much math. I'm sure it is brilliant, my husban like it, but I couldn't hack it.
Is this book sci-fi? Historical fiction? Just plain old contemporary fiction? Yes, yes, and well, sort of, but there's nothing plain about a 1000-page tome whose plot jerks back and forth between WWII and the present, has plot elements that take place on I think four or five continents, and includes everything from treasure hunting to cryptography to manifestos about the evils of growing a beard.
This novel defies succinct discussion--there's simply too much to cover. And the fact that it all fits into one book, and that yes, he actually does tie *everything* together at the end, is what really makes this book so brilliant.
This novel defies succinct discussion--there's simply too much to cover. And the fact that it all fits into one book, and that yes, he actually does tie *everything* together at the end, is what really makes this book so brilliant.
adventurous
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dense, packed with ideas, silly, but also riveting. Classic early Stephenson.
I would almost give this 5 stars, but it could also receive 3, because of the utter lack of female characters. The only female character, the love interest of one of the main characters, it barely believable as a woman.
Also, I do enjoy books that leave some things open ended, but some of the tangential elements that I could see building as the book went on, were left unresolved.
Also, I do enjoy books that leave some things open ended, but some of the tangential elements that I could see building as the book went on, were left unresolved.
This is really a 4.5 stars book.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I loved the way it bopped back and forth between different characters and timelines, I liked the characters quite a bit, and I enjoyed the mathy discursions---I've always been a bit interested in cryptography, and so this was incredible fun. I was sad when the book ended; it had really been a part of my life for a good month and a half!
I will warn, however, that the book starts a little slow; you occasionally feel a bit like you're plodding through the first 300 pages. That being said, once it starts to come together, it really comes together.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I loved the way it bopped back and forth between different characters and timelines, I liked the characters quite a bit, and I enjoyed the mathy discursions---I've always been a bit interested in cryptography, and so this was incredible fun. I was sad when the book ended; it had really been a part of my life for a good month and a half!
I will warn, however, that the book starts a little slow; you occasionally feel a bit like you're plodding through the first 300 pages. That being said, once it starts to come together, it really comes together.
A little dated. The contemporary plot line was often very flat and nonsensical.