Scan barcode
librarygurl's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe it was the way the audiobook was read, but I hated this book so much and just wanted it to be over. Why did I finish? Reasons... primarily because it is on my Book Lust list of books to read and the rules of the challenge are that I finish those books. It took me 2 months to get through the audiobook and I admit, I often stopped paying attention. Did I miss anything when I failed to pay attention? Hardly, because Stephenson tells you every single little details (down to colors of bile) possible. It is a great history lesson for the Baroque era, but this is not a history book. There is suppose to be a story here somewhere with a point. If there was a point, I failed to find it nor am I am in any rush to read/listen to the other two books in order to find out what the point is.
I believe the audiobook was read by Simon Prebble who is not at all interesting as a reader. I understand I have been spoiled by some amazing audiobook readers, but Prebble's cadence was just unappealing. He made no attempt to give any depth. It was not something I enjoyed listening to.
I believe the audiobook was read by Simon Prebble who is not at all interesting as a reader. I understand I have been spoiled by some amazing audiobook readers, but Prebble's cadence was just unappealing. He made no attempt to give any depth. It was not something I enjoyed listening to.
brandongryder's review against another edition
5.0
A masterpiece. 927 pages. More informative and entertaining than any non fiction about the Enlightenment. Spoiler alert: there are two more books in “The Baroque Cycle” that will blow your mind as well.
zedangeo's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
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
5.0
frogfather78's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
courthompson's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
loont's review against another edition
2.0
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.
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
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
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.25
greaydean's review against another edition
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.
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
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!
If you decide to do it, I wish you luck!