Reviews

Less a coherent story and more a series of interesting facts Stephenson read while researching and over the top cheesy scenarios. "Hey, did you know how filthy rivers were back in the eighteenth century? Also here's young Ben Franklin, who's right down the way from the guy forming MIT!"

Which SOUNDS cool in hypothesis, but you'll notice there doesn't seem to be a central character in that sentence. And really it feels like their kind of isn't, that Stephenson was just more interested in the world, which he often is, but this time forgot that we need a character to attach to so we can relate any emotion at all to the world that's so interesting.

nyom7's review against another edition

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3.0

Do not read this if you want to read SF. By all means read this if you are up for a rather lengthy historical novel (bear in mind this is technically books 1-3 of an 8 book series but the 8 books were published as a trilogy instead) with extensive long winded descriptions/conversations/letters/etc. I am very much undecided as to whether I will continue on and read book 2 +/- 3. The quality of the writing is decent but it is long and at some points arduous.

lauderbaugh's review against another edition

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challenging slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.25

greaydean's review against another edition

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4.0

While this is the hardcover edition (I used to own), I did not actually read it. I had the unabridged version from audible (read to me).

Excellent. Extravagant detail. Neal loves to tell a story. One after another. Witty and wise. Alluding to today and reflecting on the past. Sometimes, the story is just a story and could be considered boring. But Neal alone has preserved storytelling while other authors chase thrill and kill.

bret's review against another edition

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4.0

I don't actually recommend trying to read this immense trilogy(?) to anyone who hasn't already exhausted his other books (minus Zodiac) and you can rate at least one of them (maybe 2?) in your top 5. It's incredible, smart, detailed, and I'm glad I read it but wow did it take a long time to finish.
If you decide to do it, I wish you luck!

mjt26's review against another edition

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challenging funny informative slow-paced

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

3.5

mnapoleon's review

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3.0

Only giving it a 3 because I can't remember if I really liked it or disliked it.

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