Reviews

A definite "it's me not you" situation with this book, which was excellently written and well-translated. Between my flighty, anxious brain at the moment and my general lack of familiarity with the sci-fi genre, I spent a lot of time with a furrowed brow wondering what was going on. I was never sure whether the disorientation I felt reading it was the point, or whether I had missed critical information essential to my understanding. I plan to return to this one at another time.

niksta84's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I really enjoyed this book but I found it very hard to follow what was going on. I think I will need to re-read it but the fact that I am willing to read it again proves to me that it must have been a very good book as I very rarely read a book more than once.

marmottestar's review

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

author_manu_j's review against another edition

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challenging informative mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Cixin Liu's "The Three-Body Problem" is a novel that thrives on its grand ideas and detailed scientific explorations, presenting a rich tapestry of concepts that range from astrophysics to philosophy. However, despite the intriguing premises and the intellectual rigor it brings to the science fiction genre, the book may not resonate with everyone, especially due to its narrative style and pacing.

The novel's core mystery, centered around a mysterious countdown, is both engaging and brilliantly conceptualized, showcasing Liu's ability to blend complex scientific ideas with speculative fiction. The depth of thought and the scientific accuracy presented are commendable, making it a standout for readers who appreciate hard science fiction.

However, the book's execution does not always live up to its ambitious ideas. The narrative is heavily laden with exposition, which, while enlightening, often slows down the pace and detracts from the emotional engagement with the characters. None of the characters stood out as particularly compelling or relatable, which might leave readers feeling detached from the stakes of the story.

Moreover, sections of the book, such as those involving the in-novel game, feel overly long and contribute to a sense of dragging narrative that could have benefited from tighter editing. The unusual narrative structure adds to this complexity, sometimes feeling disjointed and making it challenging to maintain a smooth reading flow.

In summary, "The Three-Body Problem" is a novel of paradoxes: rich in ideas yet burdened by its method of delivery. It poses a critical question: do the fascinating scientific explorations and philosophical depth outweigh the heavy exposition and lackluster character development? This remains subjective, as evidenced by my 3 out of 5 stars rating.

nighthawk702's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

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