Reviews

Anathem by Neal Stephenson

autogeek's review against another edition

4.0

This is a really good book. It sits squarely between the sci-fi and fantasy genres and is quite unique.

It has great world-building and the characters are very well developed. It also has some really well developed scientific arguments and dialogues which take some effort to follow, but are worth it.

The main downsides are the plot development which is a bit slow and the author loses the plot towards the end.

In summary, a really good but slow read and recommended for those not afraid of a bit of hard science. You really need to enjoy science and puzzles to enjoy this book.

socialamoebaemily's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

I need to read this one again. I really enjoyed it but got a bit lost in some of the science. There's quite a bit of math, physics and philosophy and some of the physics and a lot of the philosophy need a lot more thought. I liked the story and the idea was very different and felt a bit like monks in space in the multiverse. Definitely a dense novel and long in every sense, plus the time you'll end up looking things up if you're like me, but you will think! I recommend this book but not for vacation!

emilyokkay's review against another edition

4.0

There was so much to dislike about this book - general pompousness, unnecessarily detailed descriptions of architecture, precocious teenagers, frivolous academic infighting - but somehow it endeared itself to me, and I’m glad I read it. 

carfullofpandas's review against another edition

adventurous challenging informative mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

testaroscia's review against another edition

5.0

Why is it that Neal Stephenson writes such huge books both figuratively and literally and yet I always feel that there is a lot left unfinished or unexplored. For someone that is not that great at characterization I just love his narrative, the sometimes aimless plots, the side turns, the unexpected and original ideas. It is probably because I no longer really expect a plot that I am usually surprised when one turns up, and the trip to get there has been always, enriching and thought provoking. And that is the slight frustration. Just like the end of Seveneves, which I read before Anathem, one is left dying for more at the end, to explore the next box of goodies he has opened up for you. Sequels? Not bloody likely from what I hear. Stephenson has too many other great things to write before he might revisit an old story.
11/6/23
Just re-read it. Even better second time round

beaumonttaz's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

przela71's review against another edition

5.0

I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot to it, so it was a slow read, having to reference the scientific formulas and charts in the back as I read. It snuck up on me that I was really enjoying this book as I read it and it is one that I am always looking to find something similar to when I want to get lost in a complex story. If you can be patient with the jargon, it is worth the read.

_rg's review against another edition

5.0

This is a literary masterpiece.

Deeply philosophical, imaginative, and with very original ideas.

You should be aware that literary masterpieces are not always the most enjoyable to read.

I totally loved it.

Before I loved Stephenson, and now I respect him, too.

micahstafford's review against another edition

5.0

this is my new favorite book, replacing neuromancer as number 1. This book made me feel almost every emotion that you can feel, the book just pulled me into its story line and put me in the shoes of erasmus.

Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Characters: 5
Pace: 4.5
Info: 5

hyzerchan's review against another edition

5.0

I wish I gave out less 5/5 reviews so that when I read Stephenson and a few other authors it could mean more. This book is amazing.