I bought it not last weekend, but the weekend before. And then read it all in about 2 days.
Nebhead Send a noteboard - 21/10/2009 09:06:17 AM
The thing I really like about Stephenson's work is the pace. It's nice and slow, taking it's time to discuss the various themes and concepts that underpin the whole work. Anathem was, by large, no exception; plot took a backseat to metaphysical and philosophical exposition, but to complement, rather than detriment.
However, my major gripe is the final 4th of the book. It's like he suddenly realised he needed to wrap everything up, and all the wonderfully written lectures disappeared and was replaced with an absurdly fast-paced sequence if events that, to me, wrapped the novel up most unsatisfactorily.
The main sticking point in my mind is that final sequence with Fraa Jad. I understand what *happened*, within the theoretical framework the book posits, but I don't understand the point/consequences of that.
In summary, awesome book apart from the ending. And I don't know whether it simply was a rushed ending, or whether I'm just not getting some subtle, brilliant philosophical point that Stephenson was trying to make.
However, my major gripe is the final 4th of the book. It's like he suddenly realised he needed to wrap everything up, and all the wonderfully written lectures disappeared and was replaced with an absurdly fast-paced sequence if events that, to me, wrapped the novel up most unsatisfactorily.
The main sticking point in my mind is that final sequence with Fraa Jad. I understand what *happened*, within the theoretical framework the book posits, but I don't understand the point/consequences of that.
In summary, awesome book apart from the ending. And I don't know whether it simply was a rushed ending, or whether I'm just not getting some subtle, brilliant philosophical point that Stephenson was trying to make.
It's all my fault...
Vegas Aug 17-18 - A Night to Remember
Spoony made this aaaages ago for me. Never got to use it though... until now!
Vegas Aug 17-18 - A Night to Remember
Spoony made this aaaages ago for me. Never got to use it though... until now!
Anyone read Neal Stephenson's ANATHEM?
- 20/10/2009 06:13:58 PM
1032 Views
No, but I am thoroughly enjoying Quicksilver
- 20/10/2009 06:36:51 PM
667 Views
It is at that.
- 20/10/2009 07:08:12 PM
707 Views
i adored that book... the whole trilogy, actually, was a great pleasure to read. *NM*
- 21/10/2009 02:31:49 AM
313 Views
It's sitting on my shelf right now... I just need to get around to opening it *NM*
- 20/10/2009 07:25:50 PM
357 Views
Yep, good book, not his best.
- 20/10/2009 07:27:03 PM
705 Views
So what is his best?
- 21/10/2009 12:03:15 AM
683 Views
Cryptonomicon, most likely.
- 21/10/2009 06:30:52 AM
738 Views
I read the Baroque Cycle first.
- 21/10/2009 09:47:35 PM
685 Views
well, clearly you did not understand everything.
- 21/10/2009 10:55:08 PM
738 Views
... Bwa?
- 22/10/2009 12:07:09 AM
663 Views
I believe Our Noble Weblord is working his way through it now, or recently has done.
- 20/10/2009 11:42:41 PM
668 Views
I bought it not last weekend, but the weekend before. And then read it all in about 2 days.
- 21/10/2009 09:06:17 AM
919 Views
I feel pretty much exactly the same way.
- 21/10/2009 01:58:47 PM
906 Views
Looking back, I can't remember reading it. I one hundred percent see it in my head as a movie.
- 21/10/2009 11:29:15 PM
788 Views
That's often how I remember Stephenson's books.
- 22/10/2009 02:34:40 PM
665 Views
That's a great point.
- 22/10/2009 05:43:24 PM
746 Views
Snow Crash also has the best named main character of all time: Hiro Protagonist
- 23/10/2009 01:39:26 AM
801 Views
