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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Neil Stephenson describes a future nanotechnological society where our mastery of the atom has given us complete control over our built environment. No longer shackled to the physical world, people now associate by culture, choosing a phyle whose ideals fit your own. The story revolves around a wondrous invention, the eponymous Young Lady's Illustrated Primer, a technological wonder that can raise a child, and the people surrounding it. While the technology has not aged the way Stephenson predicts (we do not build a world out of atomic machinery as of yet), this often violent tale of clashing cultures is undeniably cyberpunk, and a fun read for it. Yet, for all of the depth it reaches for, I can't help but feel it is mostly a fun cyberpunk romp, rather than any deep commentary on culture or what makes a person. The plot happens to the main characters (Nell and Hackworth ), and they seem to make very few meaningful choices. The handling of Chinese culture is also, frankly, dated and questionable even though the arc results in Chinese independence from Western influence. Still, I recommend it as a fun and creative read, though a guilty pleasure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault
The language about the different cultures is fairly dated, an obvious mid 90s take, especially on Chinese culture. The separation of the cultures is also a bit jarring, and it's pretty disappointing that Stephenson's vision of "top cultures" are Victorians and Japan.
Just could not engage. For something of a criticism of Orientalism, it sure does fall into the very same trap sometimes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Racism, Violence, Death of parent
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
Yes
Very cool world-building, and the peeks at Chinese culture were very interesting. Ending kind of came out of nowhere, though…